Unlocking the Future of Learning
How the Universal Content Ready Immersive Lab is Transforming Education
In recent years, technology has dramatically reshaped how we teach and learn. One of the most exciting trends gaining momentum is projection-based immersive learning. These visually stunning environments promise to engage students on deeper levels, but the key question remains: Is immersive learning genuinely revolutionizing education, or is it just another flashy distraction?
To get real answers, we spoke with Mike van der Meulen, project leader of the Immersive Lab at the University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam (HvA). This isn’t any immersive lab we’ve seen a lot—it’s the first of its kind in the Netherlands, and potentially all of Europe, to be “Universal Content Ready.” What does that mean? It’s a magic space capable of seamlessly switching between content sources and players that allows for unprecedented flexibility in educational settings.
Mike is at the forefront of this innovation, giving us firsthand insight into both the potential and the challenges of this groundbreaking new model for immersive learning.
Is there a more vibrant city than Amsterdam that nurtures and brings forth such fresh ideas? I doubt it.
Are We Building a Better Learning Experience or Just Creating Hype?
Immersive learning spaces, especially those using advanced projection technologies, are undeniably impressive. But are they truly educational or merely another way to entertain students?
Mike doesn’t shy away from this question. He acknowledges that the appeal of immersive spaces can sometimes overshadow their educational value. However, he firmly believes that immersive learning has a place in serious education, particularly in preparing students for future careers in media production and design.
The original idea seems simple, yet the execution is highly complex. Mike envisions a space distinct from the two existing studios that simulate traditional TV broadcasting at HvA. This new space needs to be immersive, serve multiple purposes, and accommodate various types of content—including videos, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and more.
“It’s not about being flashy for show,” Mike emphasized. “We’re giving students hands-on experience with tools they’ll use in their careers. If we don’t incorporate cutting-edge technology into their education now, how can we expect them to stay competitive in the future?”
Media producers of the future must be adept with complex visual technologies. Immersive spaces offer a unique platform for them to experiment and create in ways traditional classrooms simply can’t match.
Is Infotainment Just a Fad? Or a Powerful Educational Tool?
One concept that kept surfacing in our conversation with Mike was infotainment—the blend of information and entertainment that defines much of the modern learning experience. In immersive environments, this balance becomes even more critical.
“Generation Z grew up in a highly visual world,” Mike explained. “You can’t expect them to sit through long lectures anymore. They need to be engaged in ways that align with how they consume content.”
But is infotainment undermining the seriousness of education? Mike doesn’t think so. We spoke about the concept of Location-Based Entertainment (LBE), such as interactive museum exhibits or immersive art experiences. These environments are designed to both entertain and inform, and they’re incredibly effective at capturing attention while delivering valuable content.
“It’s all about using entertainment to support learning, not to distract from it,” he said. The challenge for educators, Mike pointed out, is to make sure that the technology serves the lesson, and not the other way around. If done right, infotainment can help bridge the gap between engaging students and delivering deep educational value.
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The AI Factor: Why Collaboration, Not Competition, Is the Future
We couldn’t discuss the future of immersive learning without addressing artificial intelligence (AI). Mike sees AI as a critical partner in the educational journey, especially in creative fields like media production.
“AI isn’t here to replace creativity; it’s here to enhance it,” Mike stated. At HvA, he encourages his students to use tools like ChatGPT to help frame their assignments or brainstorm ideas. But the key, he stressed, is collaboration. “Students need to learn how to work with AI, not just use it passively. That’s where immersive spaces become crucial—they create an environment where students and AI can collaborate in real time.”
This represents a major shift in education. Never before have students had to actively collaborate with machines in this way, and immersive spaces provide a unique setting where AI can be integrated into the learning process. Creativity, enhanced by AI, becomes a powerful tool, and Mike believes this is where the future of education is headed.
Is Immersive Learning Sacrificing Depth for Flash?
It’s easy to get swept away by the visual spectacle of immersive technology, but does it truly enhance learning? Mike was clear: Immersive learning only works when it challenges students on multiple levels—intellectually, creatively, and technically.
“At HvA, students aren’t just passive consumers of content,” Mike explained. “They’re creators. Whether it’s designing a museum exhibit or developing visuals for people with disabilities, they’re applying both their creative and technical skills to solve real-world problems.”
Mike gave us an example of an assignment where students created visuals specifically for colorblind audiences. These kinds of projects demand more than surface-level engagement—they push students to think critically and creatively, while applying the technical skills they’ve learned. For Mike, the success of the Immersive Lab comes down to how well it prepares students for real-world challenges.
What’s Still Missing in Immersive Learning?
Despite the exciting potential of immersive learning, Mike admits there are areas that need improvement. When asked what’s on his wishlist for the Immersive Lab, he didn’t hesitate: “Three things,” he said, “surround sound, more interactivity, and higher resolution content.”
These enhancements might seem like technical upgrades, but they have a direct impact on the depth of the learning experience. Surround sound, for example, would make the experience more immersive, engaging students on a sensory level that goes beyond sight. More interactivity would allow students to manipulate and influence the content they’re seeing, transforming them from passive viewers to active participants. And improved resolution would enable the use of higher-quality content, especially from cutting-edge design tools like Unreal Engine.
“These are the things that will elevate the lab to the next level,” Mike said, “and make it an even more powerful learning tool.”
Final Thoughts: Are We Preparing Students for the Future or Entertaining Them in the Present?
After speaking with Mike, it’s clear that immersive learning is more than just a trend. It’s a response to the changing demands of both education and the professional world. But there’s a fine line between using technology to enhance learning and letting it overshadow the real educational goals.
The takeaway is this: Technology alone isn’t enough. Immersive learning spaces like HvA’s Immersive Lab only succeed when they challenge students to engage deeply—both creatively and technically. The future of education doesn’t lie in the technology itself but in how we use it to prepare students for a world where AI, infotainment, and immersive experiences are the new normal.
As Mike put it, “We’re not just preparing students for today. We’re preparing them for a future that’s still unfolding. And to do that, we need to give them the tools—and the mindset—to thrive in a world that’s more complex and connected than ever before.”
Immersive learning isn’t about flashy distractions. It’s about creating an environment where students can engage, create, and collaborate in ways that prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.
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