On Nov. 13, the Quillen College of Medicine sent people to give their first open virtual reality demonstration on campus. Quillen has been experimenting in VR for a while and brought their mobile set up to show students the range of possibilities for virtual reality. Students were able to experience three platforms – Google Earth, Nanome and Organon.
While most students are familiar with Google Earth, they may not think of the ways it can be used in the classroom. History students could tour historic cities and landmarks, and architecture students could view famous buildings and monuments. The possibilities are endless. Nanome and Organon are VR platforms for molecular chemistry and anatomy, respectively. Their worth is proven in the Quillen College of Medicine by giving students hands on experience, and organizers of the VR event hope this success will spread to every classroom on campus.
“There is lots of interest in the idea of gamification of education,” said Dean Atkins, dean of University Libraries. “The idea is that Sherrod could be the open place on campus where people can experiment with technology. You don’t have to be an anatomy or chemistry major. We want to connect VR to what every student is learning in their classes.”
The idea of VR classrooms is growing. At demonstrations like the one in the library, only one student can use VR at a time, but the goal is to have entire classrooms able to participate at once. VR can complement any material students learn in class.
“We are only limited to our imaginations on how you could use it,” said Atkins.
Event organizers gained experience and gathered feedback from students and faculty with the hope to invest in making VR a standard in Sherrod Library in the coming year. The student library fee would be used to fund this advancement.
They will be doing these pop-up VR sessions throughout the year. Announcements for future events will be on the Sherrod Library website, social media and campus calendars.
