XR at UU

Extended Reality (XR) is a valuable addition to our university education because it offers unique learning experiences and enhances skills that are not possible with traditional methods. The Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning (CAT) is investigating the possibilities and preconditions for structurally embedding XR in UU education.

The project focuses on what is needed to implement and support XR in the future, from an educational, technological and organisational perspective. We are collaborating with expert colleagues from Utrecht 木瓜福利影视, UMC Utrecht and SURF/Npuls.

Project XR

Our starting point is that we focus on the learning objective of education, which is central to the process, and whether XR as a technology can contribute to achieving this learning objective. We want to offer teachers tools so that they can integrate XR into their teaching in an accessible way.

By launching a UU-wide XR project, we are working towards the development of a sustainable and UU-wide infrastructure for the development, implementation, research and evaluation of XR technologies in education. Because the use of XR in education requires the commitment and support of various departments within UU, this project also aims to work with an integrated UU-wide project team (CAT/ITS/AV/FLS).

Do you want to use XR-glasses?

That is certainly possible! We would be happy to work with you to see how we can achieve this together. A number of aspects are necessary here:

  • Didactic added value of the use of XR
  • Completing the step-by-step plan
  • Resources and guidance from the XR project

Activities project XR

  • Workshops

    We organise various workshops to gather input for the project and increase exposure for XR. For example, we have participated several times in the Teaching and Learning Inspiration Days and the OnderwijsFestival.

  • Demos

    We give demos to interested teachers (and teams) to show them the possibilities of XR. Would you like to get a demo for yourself or with your colleagues? Please contact Teaching Support and we will look for a demo that suits your needs!

  • Pilots

    We conduct four pilots per year to assess, based on the step-by-step plan, whether the use of XR in education adds value.

  • XR classroom

    In collaboration with Future Learning Spaces (FLS), we are working on the development of an XR space for education.

Network

  • NPuls

    We are affiliated with Npuls' XR network for thematic meetings (on privacy or management/infrastructure) and contribute to working groups (XR framework and community building) and the XR Community Day (organised at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 in October 2025).

  • SIG XR

    Within this community, lecturers and experts connect with each other and share teaching and research experiences in the field of XR. Anyone interested in XR or involved in it can sign up.

  • Utrecht region

    Various regional meetings have been held to exchange knowledge and explore possible collaborations (e.g. with the GLU).

  • Privacy

    In collaboration with the privacy officer, we have created a privacy framework to ensure the safe use of XR in education.