So there I was, the lucky one from the LMDDC, set to visit LEARNTEC 2024 at Messe Karlsruhe on May 8th. While my colleagues were busy at other EdTech events in Luxembourg and Greece, I got to explore this huge educational technology fair in Germany. What a gem!

The number of stands and the range of stimulating, and sometimes groundbreaking, educational tools on display amazed me as soon as I arrived. It felt like a giant playground for educators, catering for everyone’s needs — from school teachers to corporate trainers. I could feel the excitement as I wandered through the bustling crowd, eager to see and try everything.

The highlight for me was the VR/AR arena, which was buzzing with activity. There were numerous fascinating gadgets and interactive educational toys to experiment with. I even attempted a VR welding training session, although I quickly realised that welding in a straight line is not my forte!

The solution utilises augmented reality to create immersive and interactive welding simulations, allowing trainees to practice with real welding tools while receiving real-time feedback and guidance. This technology enhances skill acquisition by providing a realistic, hands-on training environment that replicates various welding scenarios and materials without the risks and costs associated with traditional welding training methods.

Another standout was the bomb disposal robot operator VR training, which was both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking.

The robot leverages advanced simulation technology to create a highly realistic and immersive training environment. Trainees can operate virtual bomb disposal robots in various challenging scenarios, receiving immediate feedback and guidance to improve their skills. This solution enhances the learning experience by replicating real-world conditions and complexities, ensuring operators are well-prepared for actual field operations without the risks and costs of live training exercises.

Overall, the hands-on experience with these technologies was incredible, providing a real sense of how they could change the way we learn, making digital education more engaging and practical. My inner tech-enthusiast was thrilled, and I couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities such as using VR for complex problem solving or AR for immersive lessons or games for interactive learning, or robotics for hands-on STEM education... and I could go on forever, as technology offers new possibilities every day.

What really stood out was the international presence, with companies from across Europe, especially Germany, showcasing their innovations. From interactive smart-boards to AI-driven learning platforms, the variety of solutions was impressive. These exhibitors demonstrated how technology can be seamlessly integrated into classrooms and corporate training programs alike. Many stands held the promise of potential partnerships for us at the LMDDC, offering new ways to enhance digital education in Luxembourg.

Despite my visit being just for one day, it was filled with inspiring demos and interesting conversations. I left LEARNTEC 2025 with my head full of ideas and excitement for the future. It served as a reminder of how far educational technology has come and its vast potential. I’m looking forward to attending the next edition!