Microsoft Offers Mixed Reality Headsets, PD to School and Public Libraries  

by Kathy Ishizuka
Jul 01, 2018 | Filed in Technology
Public libraries and middle and high schools can apply for the grants. But hurry, the deadline is July 9.
  Libraries interested in exploring mixed reality, listen up. Microsoft is offering grants to help you launch a mixed reality program, including headsets, help with setup, professional development, and other support.  U.S. middle and high schools (grades 6-12) and public libraries are eligible to apply. But better hurry, the deadline is July 9. Microsoft launched the grant, “Limitless Libraries,” at the ISTE conference in Chicago.  Recipients will receive the following resources:
  • Two Windows mixed reality headsets and two computers to operate them
  • Technical training of staff and administration
  • Assistance with marketing resources and program scheduling
  • Email support
  • Access to other grantees
  • Updates about new content rollouts
Twenty libraries will be selected for the grant by late July. Speaking today at the XR for Change Summit at The New School in New York City, Microsoft’s Dan Ayoub called out librarians as “badass educators.” While he admitted to a personal learning curve regarding the capacity of libraries to impart digital literacy, Ayoub, general manager of mixed reality in education for Microsoft, was quick to offer a commitment to the grant program. “We want to be boots on the ground with any library we do this with,” he said. Hardware sets distributed through “Limitless Libraries” will come preloaded with mixed reality programs, which include virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications. Among these offerings: Museum of Type; Jaunt VR; VictoryVR Comics: Mendel & the Mystery of Genetic Traits; Arte 360; HoloAnatomy; and Land of Dinosaurs. Interested? See the official rules and application form.

At the XR for Change Summit 2018, Microsoft's Dan Ayoub showed off the applications to be preloaded onto devices distributed to libraries through the "Limitless Libraries" grant program.

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