Virtual Reality
Why Use Virtual and Augmented Reality Tools?
Immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) have infinite, and increasingly common uses in education. They extend and integrate the natural environment into virtual worlds through the use of 360º video, simulations, or an enhanced physical world with computer-generated content. When used in education, VR enables students to transport themselves anywhere in the world or go to places that don’t even exist, learn new skills through immersive environments, and even experience the world through the eyes of a different person.
What Can I Do With Them?
Immersive Learning Experiences
To offer immersive learning experiences, the instructor can use applications like:
- Within for immersive storytelling and journalism
- Flyover Zone for cultural tours of sites and museums
- Tiltbrush for creating compelling visualizations
- We Are Alfred for promoting a cause or recruiting a specific group to fulfill an objective
- Ocean Acidification Experience for exploring underwater ecosystems
- Nanome for exploring complex DNA strands and atoms in a nano-scaled world
There are various hardware available at Georgetown University that you can use to create custom immersive experiences. These tools include:
- Headsets like HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Oculus Quest
- Ricoh Theta V 360 Camera
- Stereoscopic microphones
Simulations
The instructor can also use simulations to enable students to practice certain procedures (e.g. surgical techniques) in virtual worlds. Augmented reality is an even more practical and highly effective way that surgeons are able to perform remote surgeries using a computer, smart phone, tablet and a simple webcam.
How Faculty Use Virtual and Augmented Reality Tools
Get Started
Visit Lauinger Library to try out a VR headset and talk with a Multimedia Specialist about ways to use immersive technologies in research and teaching. To schedule a consultation, email digitalscholarship@georgetown.edu. To reserve equipment, you can reach out to accessservices@georgetown.edu.
As always, you can contact cndls@georgetown.edu for questions about how to incorporate Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality tools into your course design.
Get Help
Contact the GU Service Center
Learn More About Oculus Quest Equipment Available at the Library
Contact CNDLS
