Nextech AR and Microsoft aim to bring augmented reality to university classrooms

Microsoft Azure and Nextech AR logos on a white background

Nextech AR Solutions has launched EdTechX to help universities impart rich and engaging learning experiences to today's discerning students.

Developed in partnership with Microsoft, EdTechX transcends traditional classroom training with features such as video streaming, integrated assessments, augmented reality (AR) holograms, and data analytics.

"Today's generation of digitally native learners have forced institutions to digitize and evolve the way they deliver education. This has further been accelerated by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Evan Gappelberg, Nextech CEO.

EdTechX's Azure-powered higher education offering also includes poster sessions to increase student engagement; virtual learning labs for remote training; career fairs for connecting students and employers; convocations for celebrating graduations and faculty accomplishments; and more. The solution allows educational institutions to analyze visitor behavior in real time too.

Students may use live or on-demand videos with in-stream quizzes and completion certificates to earn credits. There are pre- and post-assessments for each course, and participants may choose to beam a 3D hologram into their space for further‌ ‌analysis‌ ‌and‌ ‌experimentation.

Ryerson University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Black Student Fund are among the EdTechX platform's early adopters.

"Nextech AR Solutions is helping education institutions digitally transform the way educators teach and the way students learn, by enabling remote experiential learning through EdTechX," commented Nancy Teodoro, education partner lead at Microsoft Canada.

"Studies have shown that these types of immersive technologies improve student engagement and student outcomes. We are pleased to have Nextech AR as our latest education partner that has chosen Microsoft Azure as their trusted platform to build their EdTechX solution."