Category: EDUCACION

Music for all ages

The Healing Power of Harmony: Enhancing Elder Well-being Through Classical Music and Virtual Reality

This article explores the therapeutic intersection of classical music and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences for the elderly. Drawing from ongoing research and implementation in projects such as Music 5 Senses, Vivaldi 3.0 and The Immersive Music Planet, we present an evidence-based framework on how multisensory, music-driven VR can enhance cognitive function, emotional resilience, physical well-being, and social connectivity among older adults. This proposal outlines both scientific foundations and real-world applications that position immersive music as a powerful non-pharmacological intervention in elder care.

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

Abstract

This article explores the therapeutic intersection of classical music and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences for the elderly. Drawing from ongoing research and implementation in projects such as Music 5 Senses, Vivaldi 3.0 and The Immersive Music Planet, we present an evidence-based framework on how multisensory, music-driven VR can enhance cognitive function, emotional resilience, physical well-being, and social connectivity among older adults. This proposal outlines both scientific foundations and real-world applications that position immersive music as a powerful non-pharmacological intervention in elder care.

Background & Rationale

In recent years, the aging population has become a focal point for innovation in healthcare, cognitive rehabilitation, and social inclusion. With global populations over 65 projected to double by 2050, the need for scalable, engaging, and empathetic solutions has never been greater. At ONE Digital Consulting, we have collaborated with Reina Sofía High School of Music, senior centers, and educational institutions to develop immersive projects that use classical music and XR (Extended Reality) to address these needs. Our flagship initiatives—Music 5 Senses, Vivaldi 3.0 and The Immersive Music Planet—are pioneering the use of multisensory, narrative-driven VR environments for the elderly.

Research-Driven Benefits

🧠 Cognitive Health

😌 Emotional & Psychological Resilience

🧍‍♂️ Physical Engagement & Rehabilitation

🗣️ Social & Cultural Enrichment

  • Shared VR concerts and musical journeys promote connection and conversation, combating isolation.
  • Users engage in immersive cultural exploration, reigniting curiosity and shared identity.
  • Studies: Aging & Mental Health, Virtual Reality & Culture

🩺 Therapeutic and Personalized Care

  • Personalized VR sessions allow users to experience familiar places and music, triggering emotional recall in Alzheimer’s therapy.
  • These memory journeys can be tailored to each user’s personal history and preferences for maximum impact.

Studies: Frontiers in Psychology, Music Therapy Perspectives

Innovation & Contribution

Our work bridges the gap between technology, culture, and elder care, creating a new digital therapeutic model rooted in sensory storytelling. Unlike standard music therapy or virtual tourism, we integrate cognitive neuroscience, classical music theory, and immersive design principles into one accessible platform.

These immersive experiences not only improve individual well-being but also redefine how we deliver care, culture, and community to our aging populations.

Call to Action & Next Steps

We seek to:

  • Publish these findings to raise awareness in scientific, educational, and health-tech communities.
  • Attract collaborators in geriatrics, music therapy, and XR development.
  • Engage with partners interested in scaling or piloting immersive music environments in senior care institutions across Europe and globally.

We believe this work is of interest to communities focused on:

  • Health Tech Innovation
  • Neuroscience and Geriatric Psychology
  • XR and Arts in Health
  • Digital Culture & Education
  • Human-Centered Design for Aging Societies

About the Author

Carlos Ochoa is an XR strategist and cultural technologist specializing in immersive education, digital storytelling, and arts-driven innovation. He leads ONE Digital Consulting, an award-winning company named Most Innovative XR in Education Company in Europe and recognized for its pioneering work in immersive music, VR well-being, and intergenerational learning.

XR Project Development: A Comprehensive Advanced Guide

In the digital age, high-quality content is essential for engaging and retaining audiences, as well as provide value and resolve problems to real life. It helps build trust, establish authority, and drive traffic. Compelling content can differentiate a brand, provide value to the audience, and foster community engagement.

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

In the digital age, high-quality content is essential for engaging and retaining audiences, as well as provide value and resolve problems to real life. It helps build trust, establish authority, and drive traffic. Compelling content can differentiate a brand, provide value to the audience, and foster community engagement.

Experience brings things to life, creating immersive and memorable moments that engage the senses and emotions. On the other hand, content touches the heart, the senses and the perception of being there, resonating on a deeper level by conveying stories, ideas, and emotions that connect with the audience. Together, they form a powerful combination: a rich experience that captivates and meaningful content that inspires.

In the development and implementation process of advanced “XR projects”, I have had the opportunity to work with highly potential and excellent teams in design and development. However, there are still some barriers that make the design of the solution and the concept require a fundamental effort to have an initial global vision.

This vision should enable us to visualize what we are going to offer our target audience, what we intend for them to feel, do, play, get excited about, or even hate us forever. Playing with emotions is something magical that requires constant feedback and user testing. But if there’s something fundamental to capturing the sensations and emotions of the user, it is designing a captivating and immersive user journey. This is one of the key elements for success when tackling a complex immersive project.

Then, we have the earthlier, yet no less complex, problems: the technologies to apply, data and information formats, their integration, functionality, programming, and the means or devices where the experiences will be developed and enjoyed. These are just a few pieces of the puzzle that requires a very detailed and well-crafted workflow to achieve the objectives we set at the beginning.

One of the fundamental parts of the initial design is considering the types of content and context we will create and how we can reuse them in the future. Creating these assets, videos, animations, and volumetric captures is extremely costly, and their integration and reuse will allow us to ensure continuity for the project or its future developments. This is often forgotten. While it’s true that it’s not an easy task, if we approach it well, we will achieve significant savings and benefits in the future.

Creating the most innovative and advanced XR (Extended Reality) experiences requires pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity.

Let me share with you some insights an in-depth guide to achieving this:

a. Conceptualization and Planning.

   – Innovative Vision: Aim for a unique concept that leverages the latest XR trends and technologies. Consider incorporating AI, machine learning, and real-time data integration.

   – Comprehensive Objectives: Define sophisticated goals, such as hyper-realistic simulations, complex interactive storytelling, or groundbreaking educational tools.

   – Advanced Target Audience Analysis: Conduct deep research on your audience to understand their technological adeptness, preferences, and potential use cases.

b. Design phase.

   –  Advanced Storyboarding and Scripting: Use detailed storyboards with advanced techniques like branching narratives and non-linear storytelling. Ensure scripts accommodate complex interactions and AI-driven content.

   –  Cutting-edge UX/UI Design: Design intuitive and immersive interfaces with advanced interactions like eye-tracking and gesture controls. Utilize user experience testing tools like heatmaps and biometric feedback.

   – High-Fidelity Art and Asset Creation: Create hyper-realistic 3D models, textures, and animations using advanced tools like Substance Painter, ZBrush, and photogrammetry. Consider procedural content generation for dynamic environments.

c. Development phase.

   –  State-of-the-Art Platforms: Choose platforms that support the latest XR innovations. Unity and Unreal Engine are industry standards, with Unreal Engine being particularly powerful for photorealistic graphics.

   – Innovative Interaction Models: Implement advanced interaction models such as hand-tracking, eye-tracking, and haptic feedback using technologies like Leap Motion, Tobii Eye Tracking, and haptic devices.

   – Programming and Scripting: Develop complex behaviors and interactions using advanced scripting languages and frameworks. Unity uses C# while Unreal Engine uses C++ and Blueprints for visual scripting.

   – AI and Machine Learning Integration: Leverage AI for adaptive learning experiences, dynamic content generation, and personalized user interactions. TensorFlow and PyTorch can be integrated for machine learning capabilities.

d. Q&A, Testing and Iteration.

   – Comprehensive Testing: Conduct rigorous testing across various devices and environments. Use advanced debugging tools and performance profiling to ensure seamless experiences.

   –  Beta Testing with Advanced Analytics: Use beta testing phases with detailed analytics to gather data on user interactions, preferences, and technical performance.

   – Continuous Improvement: Implement feedback loops with real-time updates and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. Use, standard tools for collaboration and fast operation, Teams is a very powerful tool..

e. Delivery.

   – Optimized Packaging: Optimize the final build for performance across different platforms, including VR headsets, AR glasses, PC, tablets and mobile devices. Use asset streaming and level-of-detail (LOD) techniques for performance optimization.

   – Advanced Deployment: Utilize cloud-based distribution platforms for real-time updates and content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure fast, global access.

   – Post-Launch Support: Provide ongoing support and updates. Implement advanced monitoring and analytics to track performance and user engagement.

Tools and Technologies

–  Development Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine

–  3D Modeling Software: Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush

–  Texturing and Painting: Substance Painter, Quixel Mixer

–  AI and Machine Learning: TensorFlow, PyTorch

–  Performance Optimization: NVIDIA Nsight, Intel GPA

–  Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Teams

–  Testing Tools: Oculus Debug Tool, SteamVR Performance Test, Pico Deb

–  Video Production: Adobe Premier, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve

–  Video 360º: Canon, Insta, Kandao

–  Ambisonic sound: Zoom, Sennheiser

Best Practices

–  Pushing Visual Fidelity: Utilize high-resolution textures, advanced lighting (like ray tracing), and realistic physics to create stunning visuals.

– Innovative Interactions: Implement and experiment with the latest interaction methods, ensuring they add value and enhance immersion.

–  Scalability and Flexibility: Design your XR experiences to be scalable and adaptable to different platforms and future technologies.

–  User-Centered Design: Keep the user at the center of the design process, ensuring that advanced features enhance rather than complicate the user experience.

–  Ethical AI Use: Ensure that AI and machine learning applications respect user privacy and data security.

I do not intend to give a master class in XR content design and development with this, but rather a simple support guide, which we will develop in more depth based on years of industry experience.

By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and rigorous development processes, you can create advanced and immersive XR experiences that stand out in the rapidly evolving XR landscape.

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

VIVALDI 3.0 THE JOURNEY. III

“Journey Through the Immersive Universe of Four Seasons” is an interactive xr experience that immerses viewers into the realm of Antonio Vivaldi’s musical masterpieces. Through visually compelling storytelling, participants will delve into Vivaldi’s creative journey as he breathes life into his renowned concerto “The Four Seasons.” Each season unfolds in a distinct and captivating environment, seamlessly blending natural elements and music to deliver a multisensory and enchanting encounter.

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

“Journey Through the Immersive Universe of Four Seasons” is an interactive xr experience that immerses viewers into the realm of Antonio Vivaldi’s musical masterpieces. Through visually compelling storytelling, participants will delve into Vivaldi’s creative journey as he breathes life into his renowned concerto “The Four Seasons.” Each season unfolds in a distinct and captivating environment, seamlessly blending natural elements and music to deliver a multisensory and enchanting encounter.

As artists, musicians, and creatives, we find ourselves at a true crossroads—a junction where making the right choices is neither easy nor singular. Beyond the numerous apparent opportunities before us, we must navigate financial survival and address the sustainability of teams, technicians, and the myriad fellow travelers who render our projects minimally viable and appealing to an ever-changing society hungry for new, distinct, and increasingly participatory experiences.

Our journey began over a decade ago with our first forays into immersive 360º recordings, collaborating with artists, musicians, and music classrooms. Here, we began to experiment and learn from the sensations and perceptions conveyed by users, students, and teachers.

One of the pivotal moments in our journey was the first live performance featuring renowned artists like Ouka Leele, where we embarked on an interactive interpretation inspired by the sounds of the Concerto de Aranjuez. It was a fascinating experience, devoid of prior rehearsals or experiential training, executed on a digital stage using Oculus Rift equipment and Tilt Brush from Google, and recorded in 360º stereo with Vuze 360º cameras. This opportunity to recreate Digital Ephemeral Art raised initial doubts regarding feasibility, sustainability, and monetization in more straightforward and economically accessible spaces, as we spared no means or resources for this performance. Crucially, this experience was made possible through the indispensable collaboration of CEV‘s technical team.

Later on, we delved into the world of reconstructing the virtual museum of the Arab Kunka (Cuenca ancient city)—a collaborative, immersive space within the Frame VR platform. Here, we established a connection between the virtual reconstructions of the Ancient Kunka during the Arab era and the music of the great musician and composer Chema Vílchez, particularly his work “The Land of the Three Cultures”.

As visitors strolled through the ancient Arab fortress, its mosques, baths, buildings, markets, and streets, they were enveloped in the sound of music that transported them to bygone eras, while also being able to explore current spaces through 360º videos. This interconnection between virtual reconstructions, current videos, and music elevated the experience to a higher level, almost teleporting participants to that magical bygone time.

Years later, the Reina Sofia Higher School of Music presented us with a truly intriguing challenge. We were tasked with creating an experience using recordings from a classical music concert to reach students in their educational program who, due to pandemic-related time constraints, were unable to participate in workshops and concerts. This concert was recorded in the Sony auditorium of the school, utilizing 360º 4K cameras and ambisonic microphone technology. The acoustical characteristics of the auditorium are truly exceptional, enabling us to produce recordings of the utmost quality. We utilized Vuze and Zoom equipment, as well as VR devices from Pico, with technological support from HP.

This experience allowed us to craft 12 virtual musical stories centered around artists such as Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Respighi, where musical compositions intertwined with natural spaces, sensory explosions, and magical worlds, transporting visitors through 12 unique historical narratives. As a result of this endeavor, we developed “Music with the Five Senses,” which was implemented on a Virtual Reality platform and Pico devices, visiting hundreds of schools and educational centers nationwide over the years. Thousands of visitors have immersed themselves in this wonderful and experiential world, making it a true milestone and international benchmark as an immersive educational project centered around classical music.

The next stop on this journey is Vivaldi 3.0. The Journey to the Universe of Antonio Vivaldi and the Four Seasons, led by Ara Malikian and the Camerata of the Reina Sofia School, has been a mystical experience, with a predetermined start date and script, and a long journey through the forests of magical seasonal music. Along the way, we’ve encountered numerous passages and experiences that ultimately culminated in an absolutely magical work. This journey, based on Vivaldi’s original sonnets, reinterpreted by a team of writers and Ara himself, allowed us to rediscover the connections between music, nature, and the cycle of life. Throughout this process, we’ve painted on a virtual canvas, initially blurry passages gradually taking shape into a metaphorical interpretive tableau. Throughout this process, we’ve immersed ourselves in music and creativity, repeatedly playing with the tools offered by generative artificial intelligence, which helped us reinterpret passages and scenarios through Vivaldi’s sonnets and words, Ara’s interpretations, and our own way of composing this tableau, ultimately giving it a cohesive and coherent form. We aimed for it to be timeless, appealing to various types of audiences, inviting them to return to a childlike state and be carried away by the creative spirit of the compositions and the intersection with the cycle of life, both human and natural. And all this, with a commitment to sustainability, balance, equality, and educational vision through values inspired by the emotions and sensations we’ve gathered in the project. This is our way of contributing to the awareness of the need to accelerate societal transformation.

The first test to visualize the outcome of this initial step of the project was the concert held on January 29th at the Sony auditorium of the Reina Sofia School. It was a real trial by fire, where we had to present this new proposal for an interactive multimedia concert live to a select audience: students and teachers from various schools in the Community of Madrid. It was a multimedia experience where interactivity through monitors and screens, interactions among musicians on stage, Ara Malikian’s performance, his introductory messages for each movement, and images, passages, and videos related to the movements were put to the test.

More than 600 students from a dozen public and private schools in the Community of Madrid, accompanied by their teachers in two sessions, were able to enjoy this experiential session, with an extremely high level of satisfaction. And all this was made possible thanks to the perfect coordination between the ONE team and the production, audio, and video team of the School. We had top-of-the-line equipment and professionals of the highest caliber. The journey has only just begun, and this experience has allowed us to analyze and evaluate the initial results, and to envision how we can continue advancing and projecting new immersive experiences in the immediate future. We aim to enhance the experience by integrating 3D multimedia elements more extensively, as well as enhancing the pre- and post-concert experience.

Welcome to the interactive immersive world of Vivaldi 3.0. Step into a space where reality merges with imagination, where every corner is filled with magic, and music awaits you at every turn. As you enter the world of the four seasons, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant landscapes pulsating with energy and creativity. Feel the thrill of immersing yourself in a world where the boundaries of reality blur, and your senses awaken like never before. Interact with the environment around you: touch, explore, listen, and engage with the elements inhabiting this fascinating world. Whether you get lost in enchanted forests or dive into the depths of the unknown, each experience is yours to discover and shape. Prepare to be captivated by the sights, sounds, and sensations enveloping you as you delve deeper into this immersive universe throughout the cycle of life.

So, welcome to a world where dreams come to life, and the extraordinary awaits you around every corner! Let your curiosity guide you as you embark on an exciting and unforgettable journey through the Interactive Immersive Universe of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Here are some figures reflecting and highlighting the extraordinary effort involved in this journey: An experience recorded and produced in 6 months, many locations, involving more than 50 professionals and over 4,000 hours of work, recording 4 live concerts with the attendance of over 1,000 people (students & teachers) from 20 schools. An immersive experience available on VR devices and the Web XR immersive platform, featuring 4 spaces, or “stations,” with interactive games, integration of 3D volumetrics, hundreds of photographic images, 10 hours of concert recordings in 8k, several terabytes of video and sound files, hundreds of hours of processing and post-production, hundreds of hours of editing and format integration…hundreds of images generated by AI to create virtual spaces and environments, artificial intelligence and image processing, 8K 360º cameras, ambisonic sound, creation of countless 3D assets…

8K Enables Immersive Vivaldi 3.0 Project

By Bob Raikes

…and this is just one of the stops on this magical and unique journey.

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

VIVALDI 3.0 THE PROJECT. II

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

“In the immersive universe of Vivaldi 3.0, we explore the Four Seasons from an innovative and unique perspective. In each season, you can discover the values of nature and how they are endangered by climate change, in a painting that gradually unfolds as we uncover the passage through each one of them. Water, air, earth, and fire blend with the music and sonnets of Vivaldi. The adventure ultimately leads us to discover these elements, revealing the mysteries of the seasons, immersing us in an interactive and visually stunning musical experience.

THE VISION:

Vivaldi 3.0 is the missing piece to recreate the puzzle of creativity and innovation in digital media and its projection into the educational and entertainment world, without forgetting the concerts on its multiple platforms.

A concept born from the fusion of ideas based on Vivaldi’s innovative work, the interpretation of the International Musician Ara Malikian, and a group of professionals in search of the natural evolution of the cycle of life. Integrating art, music, interpretation into the digital world, enhancing the values of humanity and nature, has been the fundamental key of this project.

A first step towards a new metaphorical universe, still to be explored, and in which we feel fully committed. Therefore, at the beginning of this journey, we set ourselves very clear objectives:

  • Contributing to the exponential growth of the digital sector in Spain and Europe, by designing and developing new content and interactive media through emerging immersive technologies.
  • Fostering and accelerating innovation in the sector by presenting a program based on the latest technologies with an innovative and cross-cutting hybrid format, focused on both national and international markets, while valuing European artistic heritage.
  • Bringing knowledge of creative arts and music to society, facilitating access, and democratizing their use through a hybrid platform that highlights the ability of creative arts to evoke emotions and bring people together.
  • Encouraging and accelerating the participation of a greater number of young women in the digital industry, promoting the employment of new generations, through promotion and dissemination in their usual channels, and the development of activities focused on them.
  • Promoting entrepreneurship in innovation, in the new professions and skills required throughout the development of this project, by requiring advanced knowledge in disruptive innovative technologies, which will necessitate specific additional training as part of the comprehensive training plan for the project team.

On the other hand, artists and musician’s collectives are demanding new approaches to reach audiences increasingly distant from traditional performance venues. Additionally, the detachment of young people from traditional models of participating in live events is directly impacting the current ecosystem of creators and artists in a significant way.

THE CHALLENGE

Therefore, in close collaboration with the Reina Sofia Superior School of Music, we set out to delve into the world of young people through education, in schools, seeking new approaches and participation in digital environments, such as video games and immersive experiences.

Addressing such a specific issue in the current complex scenario requires experienced partners, with a clear and focused objective at its core: Education.

In collaboration with the Reina Sofia Superior School of Music, we embarked on a journey to engage with young people through education, in schools and educational centers, seeking new approaches and involvement in digital environments, such as video games and immersive experiences.

The experience carried out in previous years by both organizations in schools across Spain, “Music with the 5 Senses”, has served as a reference point for us to continue advancing and improving on this path. The results obtained so far have been truly extraordinary.

Hence, we wanted to tackle this new challenge with a much more ambitious, cross-cutting, international, and multicultural approach, capable of becoming a benchmark icon and growing over time, adapting to technological evolution at every moment. Incorporating cross-cutting values such as equality, sustainability, and planet preservation, and observing their impact on elements through music.

THE PROJECT

Moving this project forward requires working with the best partners, sharing a common vision, and betting on an innovative and disruptive idea capable of exciting and engaging the widest possible audience. After all, we are all students of life, constantly updating and revising. And the pieces of the puzzle fit perfectly. Vivaldi and The Four Seasons allowed us to develop the idea to its fullest extent, the Reina Sofia Superior School of Music, the ideal companion to bring the experience to schools and educational centers, and musician Ara Malikian, a key piece in this picture, capable of painting and interpreting unique scenes around Vivaldi’s work.

Vivaldi 3.0 is not a video game, nor is it a 360º movie; it is a unique experience in which the visitor discovers, explores, plays, and interacts with nature, the work, and the musician in an absolutely immersive way.

A highly complex project that has required an international team of over 50 people, including technicians, designers, producers, editors, programmers… 3 days of recording with 360º 8K cameras, ambisonic surround sound, hundreds of hours of production, editing, and development, the creation of interactive virtual worlds, video editing and animations for live concerts, volumetric capture, etc… representing Vivaldi’s four seasons from a perspective you’ve never imagined before.

Some figures about the project: Over 6 intense months of work, involving an international team with more than 50 professionals, exceeding 4,500 hours of production and development, 3 days of live concert recording, 1 day and two live media concerts with over 600 students from 10 public and private schools, along with international presentations in various media outlets…

Technologies and production software: Insta Pro2 8K 360º cameras, Zoom ambisonic recording equipment, development of interactive virtual worlds, 3D interactive objects, Unity, Blender, Adobe Premiere Pro, ProTools, Tracktion, Bosse, and Pico Neo 3/4, Meta Quest 3 VR devices.

Undoubtedly, an exciting and exponential experience that gives us guidelines for new future evolutions, on which we are already working.

THE JOURNEY

Journey Through the Four Seasons is an immersive interactive virtual reality experience that transports the viewer into the world of Antonio Vivaldi’s musical compositions. Through visually rich storytelling, the viewer will witness Vivaldi’s creative process as he brings his famous concerto “The Four Seasons” to life. Each season is depicted in a unique and captivating environment, where natural elements and music merge to provide a multisensory and magical experience.

Introduction:

The User’s Journey. When experiencing a unique immersive experience, it’s advisable to undergo a prior immersion, to familiarize oneself with the space, how to navigate and manage the devices comfortably and tailored to each individual’s physical characteristics. Only in this way can one fully enjoy the experience. From that moment on, we can embark on the adventure. An adventure that traverses the cycle of life, through the cycle of seasons and day. We’ll feel like a child with a new toy, ready to set off. Upon entering the world, we’ll be in a central position, facing a person… whom we may know, or at least recognize. Represented by a hologram, they’ll address us, proposing a magical journey. And gradually, that dark space where we found ourselves upon arrival, comes back to life.

The Inspiration:

The viewer finds themselves in a space surrounded by mysterious portals inviting them to enter an enchanted forest, enveloped by trees and a gentle breeze. In the center, Vivaldi invites us to immerse ourselves in a magical fantasy, which gradually comes to life as we progress through the experience. Birdsong fills the air as Vivaldi begins to sketch the first musical notes on an imaginary canvas, inviting us to enter the portal representing spring.

Spring:

Upon crossing the portal of spring, the forest comes to life with vibrant colors and blooming flowers. Vivaldi’s “Spring” music begins to play, and the viewer immerses themselves in the sensation of rebirth and growth as they observe how animals and nature shape the melody.

Summer:

Upon crossing the portal of Summer, the atmosphere changes to a warm and sunny day. The viewer can feel the heat of the sun on their skin as they observe nature reclaiming the colors of a hot day. Thunder rumbles in the distance, and the music evolves to reflect the intensity of the heat and the impending storm.

Autumn:

The surroundings transform into an autumnal landscape with leaves gently falling from the trees. Reddish and green hues abound as Vivaldi creates the sensation of “Autumn” through melancholic notes, and the viewer can hear the rustle of leaves and feel the cool breeze in the air.

Winter:

We venture into a cold winter night, illuminated by the moon. The atmosphere becomes icy and snowy as Vivaldi addresses the final season. The viewer is immersed in a snowy forest, experiencing the sensation of cold and hearing the crunch of snow underfoot. The music grows more intense, representing the harshness of winter.

Conclusion:

“The Immersive Universe of Vivaldi, through the Four Seasons” offers a unique interactive experience that combines classical music with visual and sensory elements. Viewers will be transported into Vivaldi’s world and his compositions, experiencing the beauty and magic of the seasons through the eyes and ears of the composer. They can actively participate in the work, interacting with the environment and elements as they please. Discovering the games and challenges offered throughout the experience. This virtual reality project promises to be an exciting fusion of art and technology that will leave a lasting impression on music and visual narrative enthusiasts. Additionally, thanks to its educational and social component, by combining spaces with music, it aims to convey a subtle message of emotional balance and the need to value and respectfully care for the environment over the years.

This is just the first step towards a magical and unpredictable world, where our commitment to the environment, equality, respect for the values of democratic society, and the natural evolution towards a sustainable and better society will set the course for our next steps. Hand in hand with the most innovative and environmentally friendly technology.

“Vivaldi 3.0 has been funded by the Ministry of Culture and the NextGeneration EU Funds, within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.”

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

VIVALDI 3.0. The Immersive Universe of Vivaldi´s four Seasons. I.

How to bring creative arts closer to the new generations to transform society, based on the values of education in democracy, human equality, nature, and the mystical convergence through music.

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

How to bring creative arts closer to the new generations to transform society, based on the values of education in democracy, human equality, nature, and the mystical convergence through music.

Over the past few years, artists, creatives, musicians, filmmakers, and other media and entertainment professionals have been increasingly exploring ways to maximize the value of creative work. This enables them to provide their most devoted fans, or new followers yet to be discovered, with new ways to fully immerse themselves in Creative and #MetaphoricalUniverses.

While this concept is not entirely novel, having been explored by artists and creators in past eras, immersive technologies and narratives now offer a new means of communication, engagement, and collaboration that remains largely uncharted even today.

The new trends and innovative ideas uncovered by the younger skills, endowed with extraordinary talent and future vision, are leaving an indelible mark on various industries. Video games, animation, interactivity, participation, and community building are emerging as new forms of expression that are gaining prominence. On the other hand, virtual reality extensions, immersive platforms, and virtual worlds remain hotbeds for spin-offs, with the #Metaverse and #Web3/4 as a prospective amalgamation of these and other virtual technologies.

While mega-productions are making way for new immersive mediums and platforms that are forging ahead in a different direction, yielding results that are still somewhat unremarkable but with high expectations.

When the opportunity arose to develop an idea around Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, involving a prominent international musician and a string orchestra, I felt something truly special deep within me. Immersed in nervousness, passion, and conflicting emotions, I began sketching in images and words everything that came to my imagination, without concern for order.

A myriad of emotions and images flowing freely from my musician’s heart and mind. I would later attempt to organize in my mind, trying to shape it into a project and ultimately a product – an experience capable of being narrated, lived, and experienced like never before. This meant constructing a multisensory, innovative experience where Vivaldi’s innovative magic and the creative magic of the international musician converged.

This was a monumental challenge. While we had previous experiences working on immersive creative performances with artists like #OukaLeele, #Dadri, and integrating #ChemaVilzchez music into virtual worlds or creating the experiential space for #Music5Senses, (around the music of #Mozart, #Tchaikovsky and #Respighi), this new project aimed to be a qualitative leap. We wanted imagination and technology to meet at some possible point, pushing the boundaries of what seemed impossible.
…
to be continued

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

Metaverse is ready for Education

Over the course of the past two decades, I have been fortunate enough to engage in groundbreaking initiatives within the realm of digital transformation in education. Today, as we grapple with contrasting viewpoints on whether the #Metaverse holds promise as an educational tool or is merely a rehashed concept, I wish to offer my insights on the matter.

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández1 Comment

“A Reflection on Virtual Worlds and Their Contribution to Education”

Over the course of the past two decades, I have been fortunate enough to engage in groundbreaking initiatives within the realm of digital transformation in education. Today, as we grapple with contrasting viewpoints on whether the #Metaverse holds promise as an educational tool or is merely a rehashed concept, I wish to offer my insights on the matter.

To me, the #Metaverse embodies a realm where Time and Space engage in a game of strategy, akin to a game of chess. Drawing inspiration from Albert Einstein’s musings: A human is an integral part of the cosmos we term the Universe—a fragment confined by time and space. But so what?

The crux of the matter lies here: the interplay between Time and Space.

Metaverse versus Universe, and Human Being versus Avatars—these interactions hinge on the relationship between time and space.

In the spheres of art and music, artists have fashioned #MetaphoricalUniverses or #EphemeralUniverses —spaces and encounters that are unparalleled, transient, experienced in the present, and then fade away.

Virtual Worlds offer us this same potential but with the power to amplify it manifold into new, boundary-defying dimensions. This expansion reaches individuals and groups who might otherwise never have had the chance to connect in such an environment.

The term #Metaverse, though rooted in technological definition, has acquired a mythical aura and has been employed in ways that fail to captivate. Presently, describing or elucidating the societal advantages and opportunities afforded by #ImmersiveTechnologies presents a challenge. This is due to the term’s misappropriation and dilution by entities possessing an insufficient grasp of the profound intricacies and context of the technology at hand.

In 2003, I embarked on a transformative journey that led my past company, eLearning Consulting, to evolve an eLearning platform into a cutting-edge virtual educational platform known as “Edutopia.” This ambitious endeavor marked my foray into the realm of 3D worlds and virtual reality, bridging the gap between schools, educational communities, and innovative technology. Edutopia introduced avatars, interactive games, and an array of tools tailored for teachers, students, collaboration, monitoring, and evaluation—accessible from any PC.

My dedication bore fruit as thousands of students in Spain gained free access to this groundbreaking platform, supported by funding from the Ministerio de Educación, España.

Over two decades, my commitment to innovation in education extended to active involvement in classroom innovation programs and collaborations with prominent publishers. This commitment also manifested through investments in Research and Development programs under the aegis of the European Commission, resulting in the realization of several globally renowned projects.

In 2013, my endeavors expanded beyond education as we developed pioneering simulators and digital twins for the industrial sector. Subsequently, in 2017, I launched the #SmartEducationLabs initiative for the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This groundbreaking project championed advanced education and the digital transformation of classrooms.

This legacy persisted through 2022-23, marked by my instrumental role in establishing Advanced Labs and a Virtual Campus for Madrid’s gaming industry. This Virtual Campus is uniquely focused on nurturing entrepreneurial skills within the realm of video games and immersive experiences, ultimately fostering innovation within the gaming sector.

If you want to know more, please visit #MetaMinutes with my friend Rene Schulte here: https://lnkd.in/d5WXRf3P

If you want to know more about #SmartEducationLabs, visit
https://lnkd.in/dZciTDGa

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

La Frágil Levedad del SER

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

Muerto el #Metaverso, larga vida a la #AI o #ChapGPT,  debiera decir?

En este mundo tan frágil, efímero e inconsistente en el que vivimos últimamente, resulta muy preocupante la fragilidad de los argumentos que soportan grandes decisiones de la vida diaria.

El duro mundo del influencer, del bloguero, del metaversado, en busca de la última novedad, o al menos así lo piensan ellos, los lleva a ensalzar ídolos y convertirlos en villanos en apenas unos meses. El poder del marketing, y su influencia en tomas de decisiones rápidas, en aquellos que actúan sin pensar (proactivos dicen ellos, desinformados, pienso yo) es realmente brutal. El numero de impactos en este breve espacio de tiempo, supera con creces las expectativas que se podría alcanzar por cualquier otro medio. Una caza sin piedad de desinformados, ignorantes habidos de ser, sin ser.

Nuevas generaciones que buscan respuestas rápidas a problemas complejos, sin importarles la consistencia ni la transcendencia de las decisiones o el alcance de estas.

¿Resultado? lo tenemos a la vista. El presente se nos cruza y abofetea cada día con temas tan trascendentes y relevantes como la canción de Shakira y las historias de Pique. Algo que no se produce como fruto de la casualidad, o ¿ piensas que si?.

Hoy a nadie le extraña que escritores, blogueros o revistas técnicas internacionales, lleven haciendo trampas con sus artículos firmados, y elaborados por una máquina. Por no hablar de grandes ídolos musicales de un solo tema, elaborados íntegramente por ordenador.

El nuevo “Tsunami” golpea nuestras desoladas costas de la educación. Aparecen nuevas voces en el horizonte, cantos de sirena, intentando convencernos de los milagros de la “Inteligenia Artificial” y los chats inteligentes, bla, bla, bla.

En 1988, durante mi etapa de formación en la Escuela de Informática de Siemens en Alemania, llegó a mis manos un libro verdaderamente apasionante: Sistemas Expertos, editado por Siemens y Dieter Nebendahl. Se convirtió en mi libro de cabecera durante algún tiempo y apoyó los desarrollos que llevamos a cabo en los días de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica.

A lo largo de los últimos 5 años, como Co-Chair del Comité de Educación de la Asociación (VRARA), hemos venido realizando una incesante labor de sensibilización, liderazgo y colaboración, con instituciones de primer nivel, en el estudio de implementación de metodologías, tecnologías inmersivas en la educación, tratando de avanzar en el desarrollo de un nuevo ecosistema educativo.

Humildemente creo que, en muchas ocasiones nos hemos anticipado a los tiempos, elaborando trabajos y estudios: El estudio de la VR/AR en Educación, Immersive Learning, Adcanced Simulations, Virtual Worlds and Metaeducation, Augmented Education for Augmented Soceity…

A lo largo de la interesante sesión de la semana pasada “Are we ready for #AI in #Education”, se pusieron de manifiesto por un importante panel de expertos internacionales, algunos puntos esenciales, como que uno de los propósitos centrales de la educación es desarrollar pensadores críticos. También que la educación se ve comprometida cuando tratamos de impartirla a grupos grandes. Y cuando la discusión se lleva a grupos pequeños es donde se logra el verdadero aprendizaje. Otro de los problemas que se pusieron encima de la mesa, es que estemos demasiado centrados en hacer trampa en algunos aspectos del desarrollo de nuestras habilidades, lo cual nos puede llevar a un triste escenario de futuros lideres, en donde la sociedad en su conjunto puede verse afectada. ¿Como vamos a permitirnos esta falta de integridad académica y su transcendencia en el desarrollo de los futuros lideres de esta sociedad?.

Es necesario poner el foco en incorporar el pensamiento crítico y el pensamiento basado en la aplicación en el sistema educativo con mayor peso, en lugar de escribir la información aprendida a través de libros (digital/papel) a los que se les puede dar un peso más bajo. En la actualidad podemos decir sin lugar a duda, que la perspectiva desde el punto de vista de los estudiantes, justo la opuesta.

Esto es, “Augmented Education” es un salto cualitativo, en donde metodologías y tecnologías inmersivas en entornos disruptivos, nos hacen visualizar y definir un espacio de educación y formación más práctica, colaborativa, avanzado, adaptado a las necesidades de la sociedad actual y futura. Centrándose en algo más práctico, innovador, basado en experiencias, trabajo colaborativo, etc… algo que está en el polo opuesto a la formación tradicional basada en la lectura, el aprendizaje escrito, etc…

Hace ya seis años, con motivo del congreso internacional #Expolearning, tuve la oportunidad de presentar: La rebelión de las máquinas y la formación disruptiva. Una visión futuristica de la Educación Inmersiva y Experiencial y su posible evolución…y parece que fué ayer.

Y en menos de tres semanas, es cuando aparece la novedad “para algunos” de herramientas como #ChatGPT. Y creen descubrir el nuevo santo grial, saltando inmediatamente a un nuevo futuro… olvidando todos los paradigmas, visiones y avances realizados en estos últimos años.

En realidad, estamos ante un escenario muy similar al inicio de la Robotica. Cuando empezaron a invadir nuestras vidas hace más de 50 años, con orígenes similares y en muchos casos paralelos a la IA… lástima que la memoria sea frágil, la ignorancia tan atrevida y el marketing de las grandes multinacionales tan potente. Alimentando la maquinaria paralela de los blogueros, que necesitan cada día para sus blogs novedades, noticias únicas, aunque no lo sean, y no se procuren de estudiar las cosas, su evolución, orígenes, etc…baste con copiar y traducir un artículo de una prestigiosa revista americana, y publicarlo como propio, o filtarlo por ChatGPT?.

Gracias a dios, no es el caso de los eruditos mortales, sino de los metaignorantes, que cada vez ocupan más la superficie de este maltratado planeta.

Es curioso ver cómo, año tras año, encaminados hacia la transformación digital en la educación, simuladores inmersivos, trabajo en equipo, herramientas avanzadas, mayor interactividad, realidad aumentada en tiempo real… alejándonos de libros, textos, mensajes literales, y apoyándose en el mundo gráfico e interactivo, y ahora…. we go back again?.

No tengo la bola de cristal, pero los tiempos están cambiando en una dirección, en la que necesitamos mas “Human Touch”, “Etica”, “Honestidad”, “Sentido de Sacrificio, del esfuerzo”, “Sentido Solidario” y “Educación en Valores”.

Estas de acuerdo?…y Tu, que piensas?.

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernández ©

Building the Big Forest

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

I would love to share a very inspirational and personal conversation with Yoshi Garnica, from Impact Revolution.

Disreality is a fantasy journey into the human psyche that takes you on a ride through the twists and turns of that blurred line between what is real and what isn’t. Along the past recent years, let´s defined it as a hybrid experience, I have been walking around the universe of senses, emotions, arts, and social interaction in virtual worlds, as a real opportunity to build a free, democratic, and more sustainable world.

Nowadays, I am truly convinced that we need to act NOW. Tomorrow is too late.

All these reflections come to my mind during the several interviews, sessions, and talks with very good friends of the XR Community. I must say, thanks to all of you, for allowing me to walk along with you and learn together on these “long and winding road of immersive technologies”.

You can watch the complete interview here:

Key insights from the interview:

✳ He is living now in a privileged place: Guadarrama Natural Park – https://bit.ly/3dDukjB

✳ Happiest moment in Life: When he becomes a dad – holding his kids.

✳Last Impact Message to the world: “Build a big forest” – Metaphor to build a “big community” as a base for sustainability growth.

✳ The Education system is hard to Change.

✳Blade Runner 2049 (https://bit.ly/3A1Z5WQ is an example that VR did not change that much since 2017.

✳Experience with building Smart Education Labs with VR

✳Important to increase Accessibility of Technology to poorer countries – Reminded me to our last interview with Alfredo Serrano 🙏

✳Favorite professional project: “Music with 5 senses” – Virtual Concerts to CONNECT:

Arts 🔗 Creativity 🔗 Values 🔗 Nature🔗 Citizens

✳VR could help the Coaching Industry facilitate Engagement, Empathy, and Connection. Important the Environment, Story, and Technology used (for interaction). OpenBCI uses Neuroscience with VR.

✳Last Impactful message to Startups and Entrepreneurs ❤: Unique vision, Build Trust, Work a lot, Value Time, Strong Team, Good mentors, Create a Business Plan (importance of performing a Market Analysis, know your competitors!)

Was a great interview Carlos – Many thanks for sharing your valuable time with us. It’s much appreciated.

Best of luck in Revolutionizing the Education System!

All your thoughts and comments are very welcome.

Have a great time.

Carlos J. Ochoa Fernandez

Remembering my time as a student at Babson College.

One of my very best personal experiences throughout my long professional career was being a student in the International Entrepreneurship program at Babson College.

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

One of my very best personal experiences throughout my long professional career was being a student in the International Entrepreneurship program at Babson College.

In 1998, my past company Siemens decided to anticipate the competition, developing a joint program with Babson College to develop the Entrepreneurial spirit within the organization. Raising the talent of high potential and creating high-performance teams, capable of accelerating the transformation of a product company, into high-value-added services.

I was one of those selected for that program and thanks to that experience, allowed me to develop skills and abilities that helped me design and implement new global business areas at an international level, with a focus always on innovation.

A one-year international program, with professors from the most prestigious business schools, the participation of all managers of business centers and CEOs from different regions, in a spectacular and highly collaborative environment.

I seem to remember that this was one of the first international experiences of this type carried out by Babson College, between 1998 and 1999.

An unforgettable experience and I must thank Siemens and Babson College for that opportunity, whose principles continue to be a world reference today.

Carlos J. Ochoa ©

Carlos J. Ochoa “un guiño a la Educación”

Carlos J. Ochoa FernándezLeave a comment

“Apostando fuertemente por un nuevo modelo educativo, ilusionante, empático, inclusivo, democrático y sostenible“

Presidente VR/AR Madrid Chapter, Co_Chair del Comité de Educación y miembro fundador de Immersive Learning Association, ICICLE X-Reality for Learning and Performance Augmentation SIG. También es fundador y CEO de ONE Digital Consulting, así como autor del Libro Blanco “Best Practices of VR in Education”.

Entrevista realizada por Sonsoles Gallego para Miranos y Unete 2019

Ayer

Empezamos por su infancia, por conocer a ese niño que todos llevamos dentro.

¿Cómo fue su etapa de estudiante?

Recuerdo mi etapa de estudiante como una sucesión de historias emocionantes, irrepetibles y únicas. Años en los que descubres todo con emoción, ilusión y sorpresa. A pesar de ser tiempos difíciles, como fueron los años de la transición, también fueron una oportunidad única para descubrir el valor de las cosas, la necesidad permanente de aprender y establecer amistades con fuerte arraigo que siguen conmigo hasta el día de hoy.
¿Qué recuerdas de ella?

Tuve la inmensa suerte de comenzar el bachiller en el Instituto Ramiro de Maeztu, en la antigua residencia de estudiantes. Un espacio privilegiado, con profesores muy buenos y compañeros extraordinarios. Allí fueron mis comienzos obligados en el baloncesto “Estudiantes” y en la música (otra de mis grandes pasiones), el arte y el cine fórum…en fin. Allí se fue perfilando mi personalidad y algunas de mis aficiones. Tiempos de desarrollo personal, aficiones y bocatas de mejillones…en la Cantina. Y por cierto, íbamos al “insti” en tranvía, el 27, en donde nos colábamos todos los días…)
¿Algún profesor especial?

Bueno, me vienen varios a la memoria. En especial el Sr. Cebada, profesor de matemáticas (una persona entrañable y gran fan del Rock de los 70) y con el que entablé muy buena relación a lo largo de los años. La Sra. Burgos de geografía, historia y arte y que, por casualidades de la vida, coincidí en Siemens con su hijo como compañero de trabajo por varios años. De la Universidad guardo extraordinarios recuerdos de profesores y posteriormente compañeros y amigos. Algunos de aquellos me ayudaron a centrarme profesionalmente y encarar una nueva fase de mi vida con gran vocación disfrutando inmensamente. Recuerdo emocionadamente las clases de Astronomía y Geodesia, las de Fotogrametría y Teledetección, las observaciones a los astros desde la terraza del Instituto Geográfico Nacional… 

¿Cómo fueron sus inicios en la innovación, la realidad virtual y aumentada?

Mi primer gran reto fue en mis inicios profesionales en la Ingeniería, trabajando en Typsa y participando en los años 80 en proyectos de Cartografía Digital, con los primeros ordenadores de Floppy Disk, pantallas graficas Tektronics, los primeros ploters…etc. En Siemens estuve formándome en IT y Geosistemas de Información en Alemania, incorporando la simulación a los proyectos de Ingeniería Avanzada, en los años 90. Y posteriormente en Eptron comenzamos con proyectos de I&D en Realidad Virtual, desarrollo de los primeros navegadores virtuales educacionales y contenidos digitales para el Aula. Esta etapa la recuerdo como la época de Jurasic Park, y las estaciones de trabajo Silicon Graphics. Éramos realmente unos adelantados a nuestro tiempo, en los inicios del nuevo siglo. En 2015 comienzo este nuevo proyecto profesional y me incorporo a la Asociación de VR/AR y el Comité de Educación. A lo largo de estos últimos años, he estado participando en distintos proyectos nacionales e internacionales de VR/AR en la Educación, la Formación y la Ingeniería.

Hoy

Palabra que define su trabajo: Pasión por la innovación.

Proyectos actuales: 

Recientemente he sido seleccionado como experto internacional del iLRN State of XR and Immersive Learning 2019-20. El objetivo fundamental, es crear un Panel de expertos internacionales equilibrado entre líderes académicos y de opinión de la industria, visionarios e innovadores que representen la totalidad del aprendizaje de K-12, a través de la educación superior, el espacio laboral, la comunidad educativa y el aprendizaje permanente.

Así mismo, sigo empujando la iniciativa de “Schools of The Future” que contaré más detalladamente en el Congreso.

Mañana

Haz un guiño a la educación:

Apostando fuertemente por un nuevo modelo Educativo, “Ilusionante, Empático, Inclusivo, Democrático y Sostenible”, capaz de liderar la Transformación Digital, Innovando eficientemente y eliminando barreras de todo tipo.

Especial ponente en el II Congreso de Influencers Educativos

Breve resumen de su Ponencia en el II Congreso de Influencers Educativos:
“Espacios y Experiencias Inmersivas en Educación 4.0”. Las nuevas tecnologías son aplicadas cada día en la industria y nuevos modelos emergentes, que crean importantes oportunidades de empleo y posibilidades de desarrollo empresarial. De acuerdo con las proyecciones establecidas por la Comisión Europea recientemente, la demanda del mercado en especialistas calificados en tecnología de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC) no se cubrirán, ya que en 2020 habrá un déficit de alrededor de 500,000 profesionales de las TIC. Siendo los profesionales de realidad virtual y aumentada los que se encuentran entre aquellos más solicitados en el sector de las TIC.

Es en este contexto vamos a desarrollar un Taller sobre “Formación de Profesores” en las habilidades relevantes para la formación en el aula, la formación y capacitación para el empleo y el desarrollo del espíritu empresarial basado en estas tecnologías.

Entrevista realizada por Sonsoles Gallego.