Imagine holding a printed guide or manual, or a digital version (on a mobile device), and compare this experience with an augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) one.

Amidst the current interest and “hype” surrounding AR and MR (in medicalAmidst the current interest and hype surrounding AR and MR (in medical education), as we make decisions whether to allocate significant resources to develop and build dedicated content for these platforms, perhaps it is useful to pause, and reflect on the well established use of printed and digital “guides” and “ l ” hi h f ili ith i b th i th k l d t h l“manuals”, which we are familiar with using both in the workplace, and to help us navigate an unfamiliar environment as a visitor or tourist.

As lower cost platforms and devices become increasingly available, more p g y ,opportunities will become available for educational scholars to experiment with developing and using AR/MR content, and critically evaluate the role of AR and MR in medical education. AR and MR must add value to what is already available.

by Goh Poh Sunthis thought occurred to me late evening after reading an online report of one of the “latest” initiatives in augmented and mixed realityOctober 6th, 2016 at 2330hrs