Over a cup of coffee one late afternoon at the Institute of Dentistry, University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Kuopio, we found ourselves deep in conversation about the role of VR-haptic technologies in dental education and our future. This marked the beginning of the VR-Haptic Thinkers. Here, in the Middle of (K)nowhere, we envisioned a world where the associations behind us would not only survive but thrive amidst the rapid changes in VR-haptic technological space. It wasn't long before we realized that this vision could only be realized through collaboration with all the VR-Haptic Thinkers around the world! Members of ADEA, ADEE, and other respected national and international associations of dental educators and researchers can all provide their unique expertise!
Thus, the international VR-Haptic Thinkers were born. From its humble beginnings over a coffee to a global group of VR-Haptic Thinkers, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Thinkers are only just getting started! We will continue to dream and do cross-border research, while working towards holding more free-to-join hybrid meetups!
Performing cross-border cutting-edge educational research; providing support for developing VR-haptic niches; promoting VR-haptics-supported curriculum development; disseminating data via free, hybrid Meetups; and deepening the discussion between academics and industry.
This Board is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, and high-level operations.
The committees provide expert advice to the Board and contribute to the VR-haptic action.
The true "owners" of the VR&Haptic Thinkers are its members and followers.
Let's break the virtual ice over a cup of coffee!
It is virtual-haptic but the impact is real
- VR-Haptic Thinkers
It is virtual-haptic but the impact is real
- VR-Haptic Thinkers
In the rapidly changing field of dental education, the decisions about how and what we teach using VR-haptics have never been more important.
Navigating the combined impact of the new VR-haptic teaching methodologies and student engagement within the post-pandemic context, while promoting its effectiveness in practicing and learning retention, brings these decisions into even sharper focus.
Are you interested to join us? Let us chat over a virtual cup of coffee! During our virtual coffee meeting, we'll dive into your goals, the challenges you and we are facing, and how our ideas can help us overcome those hurdles and see real results in VR-haptics-supported dental education and training.