VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IN BULGARIA

The study presents an innovative product for training in university environment that will be developed in Bulgaria through the use of technologies for virtual and augmented reality where three-dimensional computer objects can be created. Devices for generating virtual reality (glasses for virtual three-dimensional vision) and a software module for working with virtual holographic objects will be used (an upgrade platform). The end result of the project will be a ready prototype of an innovative learning product. This prototype will put the learner into a virtual reality in which he/she can observe and manipulate three-dimensional virtual objects from the subject area of learning. The ready-made prototype with minor modifications in the software can be adapted to any type of training that uses three-dimensional objects as these objects must be created. Three-dimensional holographic technology is mainly developed and used ou<tside the educational setting at the present time. However, when properly incorporated into the educational setting, this technology has potential to transport students to a virtual world where they can submerge themselves in a rich learning environment, or test out the operations of a real-world process or system. The educational potential of the three-dimensional holographic technology is further enhanced in the frame of the project when combined with interactive and immersive characteristics of augmented and virtual reality. The potential problems related to the implementation of three-dimensional holographic technology in education, as the quality of three-dimensional renderings, severe visual fatigue, low priority of the learning outcomes, insufficient planning and development of learning activities by teachers, are also taken into account by the project team.