From Classroom to Computer
Students Build a Digital Double
Did you know that cities around the world are using digital twins to optimize traffic flow, predict natural disasters, and even design future urban spaces? This cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing industries from manufacturing to healthcare. At the Innovation Hub, we're exploring the potential of digital twins to transform education. On Friday, August 16th the Innovation Hub welcomed Cesar Hernandez’s class from the Technological University of Riviera Maya in Mexico. These students gave a small talk at Enactus’s AXIS “tech meetup” event. During their presentation, these students spoke about how they created a digital twin of their classroom, library, and auditorium. Showcasing the potential of the digital twin’s technological power and its potential to reshape learning experiences.
Understanding Digital Twins
Imagine a copy of something from real life inside a computer – that's a digital twin! It's like a virtual model that's constantly updated with real-time information. Beyond factories and hospitals, digital twins are being used in aerospace, energy, and automotive industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making.
Students Build a Real-World Digital Twin
At the Innovation Hub, we love it when students try out the latest technology and turn their big ideas into something real. This semester, a group of university students from Mexico, who’s professor is our very own Cesar Hernandez, did just that. Their challenge was to build a "digital twin" of their classroom, a project mirroring the Innovation Hub's summer focus of creating a digital twin of it’s own space. This project was presented to the students at the beginning of their semester and the students would spend the next four months tirelessly working to complete their assignment.
Cesar had this to say about the project: “As an educator, I believe that academic partnerships are crucial for enhancing global education. By exposing faculty and students to a multicultural approach, we can develop a more enriching and comprehensive learning-teaching process. Technology plays a fundamental role in this process. A few years ago, establishing alliances between institutions in different regions was not as accessible as it is today. Fortunately, this gap is closing with the advent of current technologies, such as immersive technologies, AI, and other collaborative IT tools. As an academic and IT professional, I am committed to supporting the adoption of this cooperative approach for quality education.”
Overcoming Challenges in Digital Twin Creation
Cesar's students initially attempted to use an application called Polycam to scan their classroom and create a digital twin. However, the resulting models contained an excessive number of polygons, causing problems with the computer's ability to display them smoothly. Undeterred, the students took a creative approach, constructing every element of the classroom from scratch using Blender, a powerful 3D program. This method granted them greater control and ensured optimal computer performance.
Bringing a Digital Classroom to Life
The students went beyond replicating the classroom's basics. They meticulously recreated the auditorium, complete with a stage and tiered seating, and transformed the library into a digital space with virtual bookshelves. This attention to detail brought their digital environment to life.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in Digital Twin Development
Throughout the project, the students learned to balance realism with what a computer can handle. They are beginning to understand the art of creating visually appealing 3D models while optimizing them for smooth computer performance. Cesar's prior experience leading the creation of a digital twin of the Innovation Hub for Enactus Canada’s Bentley challenge proved invaluable in guiding the students. His expertise contributed significantly to the project's success, if you would like to learn more check out Enactus SLC’s blog on the challenge here!
The Future of Education with Digital Twins
As these tech-savvy students embark on new adventures, their digital classroom will remain as an inspiration for future students. Imagine attending virtual classes, collaborating on projects in immersive environments, or exploring interactive exhibits within this digital space.
Carlos Rojas one of Cesar’s students had this to say about the experience: “It was a great pleasure to participate in the presentation and exchange. Since our professor Cesar Hernandez shared the idea with us, we embarked on this beautiful journey. We were very excited about the project itself as virtual reality, 3D, and video are topics we are passionate about.”
Shape the Future of Education
This project exemplifies the Innovation Hub's commitment to experimentation, problem-solving, and shaping the future through creativity and teamwork. We're immensely proud of Cesar and his students for demonstrating the incredible possibilities that arise from combining passion and technology.
Want to be a part of the future? Collaborate with the Innovation Hub!
Are you a faculty member or student with a community-driven idea? The Innovation Hub is always here to collaborate. We offer resources, help, and a collaborative environment to bring your vision to life. Contact us to explore how we can help you transform your project into reality.