University of Michigan
Intro to AR/VR/MR/XR: Technologies, Applications & Issues
University of Michigan

Intro to AR/VR/MR/XR: Technologies, Applications & Issues

This course is part of Extended Reality for Everybody Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Michael Nebeling

Instructor: Michael Nebeling

20,017 already enrolled

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.7

(333 reviews)

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98%

Beginner level
No prior experience required
28 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain the conceptual and technological differences between VR, AR, MR, and XR.

  • Understand strengths and weaknesses of VR and AR for new XR applications.

  • Summarize the XR technology landscape in terms of platforms, devices, applications, and tools.

  • Devise a strategic plan to incorporate XR into new projects and initiatives.

Details to know

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Assessments

5 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.7

(333 reviews)

|

98%

Beginner level
No prior experience required
28 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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This course is part of the Extended Reality for Everybody Specialization
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There are 4 modules in this course

This module will establish the different notions around XR and provide a brief overview of the associated technologies. Key to understanding the potential and limitations of AR, VR, and MR is to know the differences in how they each work and what they each can be used for. In the honors track, you will learn how to find and try out an AR experience and classify it along the reality–virtuality continuum. This continuum is an important notion to localize applications in the wide spectrum covered by mixed reality technologies and aids our overall understanding of the XR space.

What's included

7 videos19 readings1 quiz2 app items3 discussion prompts1 plugin

This module will provide an overview of virtual and augmented reality both at the conceptual level as well as in terms of current technologies. It is important to distinguish concepts from technologies because the concepts are foundational and less likely to change significantly while the technologies that implement the concepts are rapidly evolving. In the honors track, we will use the conceptual and technological insights we developed through the standard track to recommend AR or VR technologies for a set of given scenarios. A key goal for us is to obtain a thorough overview of the technology landscape and this activity will allow you to practice your decision making and how to analyze and assess different technology options.

What's included

13 videos10 readings1 quiz2 app items

This module will start our discussion of the opportunities and challenges that come with XR technologies. I will identify technological trends and what I think are some of the key issues. The issues will be grouped into three broader classes: ethical & social concerns, accessibility & equity, privacy & security. All three classes are important and we currently only have a limited understanding and clear ways forward regarding each of them. In the honors track, we will work through some of these issues and, depending on your interests and access to XR technologies, you can set your focus on one of the classes of issues. There will be activities to learn more about social experiences in AR/VR, accessibility, and privacy. I look forward to an open and constructive discussion with you about these issues and the future of XR technologies.

What's included

9 videos20 readings2 quizzes2 app items2 discussion prompts

This is our last module in this course. It will bring more of a strategic outlook into the XR space. This is a space where you have to continuously learn and push yourself. I believe you have to develop a growth mindset when you think about new projects and initiatives, your team, the equipment, working with stakeholders, and defining measures of success. The key is to start somewhere, with something small, then grow your experience and expectations around it. Most people try it the other way around, not realizing that XR is a huge space and there will always be people who know more than you about something. In my opinion, the best way to go about this is to find a niche, realize the potential to innovate, and start shaping your solution. This module is heavily discussion-based and there is no honors track associated with it. Thank you for taking this first course, and please check out the other two courses in this series!

What's included

7 videos8 readings1 quiz4 discussion prompts

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (112 ratings)
Michael Nebeling
University of Michigan
4 Courses32,564 learners

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