Gallaudet unveils hologram concept
In April, Gallaudet University’s Chief Bilingual Officer Laurene Simms unveiled a seven-foot tall hologram device during a symposium to show how it would look if this kind of technology was applied in a classroom.
[Video clip of Laurene Simms using the hologram device to communicate with a class] Credit: Gallaudet University
The hologram box is created by a company called Proto. The device allows two-way communication similar to a videophone or FaceTime conversation. You only need a camera such as an iPhone, good light, a white background that curves to the ground, and a good internet connection.
[Video clip showing a professor using the hologram to teach and interact with a classroom] Credit: Gallaudet University
Simms said this project was made possible through a grant from the Mellon Foundation to explore how to advance visual-centric teaching that is bilingual and culturally responsive.
Dr. Laurene Simms, Chief Bilingual Officer: My dream has always been to use holograms. It was always a farfetched idea because it was too technologically advanced. But I noticed that there were different companies that made holograms. I picked Proto and this is a demo device. When I saw it in person, it was very surreal. It is fabulous. With a hologram, it’s more 3D. You can see depth and it feels interactive. While with a television, it’s flat, just like your home TV. But with (the hologram) you can see the dimensions and it’s just incredible. You can see more. You can sit back and watch someone for a long time. While with Zoom, you experience eye fatigue easily. That doesn’t happen with the hologram. I did a test in a classroom and they were amazed.
[Video clip of a professor using the hologram to teach and interact with a classroom] Credit: Gallaudet University
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Alex: Simms said the cost of the hologram device is “pricey” but that there are different price points for different sizes. She said she visualizes that the device would be useful to connect with others internationally if the device is set up at universities because there would be a good internet connection and a classroom where people could come to watch a speaker.
Simms said she’s working with Proto on providing feedback on how it can be improved.
Dr. Simms: I wanted them to make it horizontal. Its current vertical setup limits your sign language. I gave feedback to Proto. They will do an interview with me later. They want to know how to best serve us and they are excited. I recommend that a vertical setup is not always ideal. It could work for presentations, but for a more interactive experience, a horizontal setup would be better. You could walk back and forth. I’ve seen different models of holograms out there. It’s getting more widespread. I saw a device that was set up on the ceiling and it can follow you as you move around and people can watch remotely. So what does Gallaudet plan to do with this? We are not there yet. We are at the innovation phase. We are discussing it and testing the demo. If all goes well, we may test it by connecting with one or two universities. Then we can go from there.
[Video clip of three Gallaudet students making positive comments about the hologram, while being in the hologram] Credit: Gallaudet University
Dr. Simms: It’s been extremely well-received. People were simulated to have discussions on the future. I feel a sense of relief that ASL can continue to thrive through technology. It’s possible that ASL can go around the world. There is a place for signing, it’s 3D, it’s very clear, and you can see the face and facial expressions. It’s so much more visual.
Alex: Thank you, Laurene Simms, for your time. This is a new and very cool concept. Maybe you can think of different applications in everyday life?
https://technical.ly/diversity-equity-inclusion/gallaudet-university-hologram-box-proto-classroom/