Students at Caledonia Regional High School are pushing the limits of mixed reality after receiving new HoloLens technology.

The HoloLens headset mix 3D computer graphics and surround sound with the real world.

“They can build a bridge in SketchUp, and all of a sudden bring it into the room and analyze it in live time as big as they want in the actual room,” says innovative design and technology teacher Ben Kelly. “We can build buildings, Moncton's new rink, design anything and bring it to life on a table or full sized in our school.”

The headset also delves into nearly every subject the school offers, including history, biology, and even getting students moving during games like RoboRaid.

“What you're seeing is pure magic,” Kelly says. “You can put this thing on, do a few finger pinches, and all of a sudden you're transported to Rome, Italy, or you're walking with dinosaurs.” 

Caledonia Regional High School is the first school in New Brunswick to receive the high-tech setup, and one of a handful across the country. Caledonia was selected to receive the software last winter by the non-profit Brilliant Labs, thanks to its student's work in developing apps and other technology.

Grade 9 and 10 students used the HoloLens last semester to design a tiny home that Grade 12 students eventually built, and a new crop of students are already working on new homes that could be built later this year.

“It was breathtaking,” says Grade 12 student Liam Gunton. “I'm in a whole different world and this is the future. The HoloLens is just amazing.”

Caledonia was selected to receive the software last winter by the non-profit Brilliant Labs, thanks to its student's work in developing apps and other technology.

Artistically-inclined students hope to use the headset to convert their artwork into a digital gallery that is invisible to the naked eye, but plasters the walls of the school through the HoloLens.

“Now I can basically digitize my art and now I can share it with the world,” says Grade 9 student Eleanor Sabo.

Mixed reality technology continues to evolve, but students say they know they're seeing the future through a brand new lens.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.