“Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. [Immerse] me, and I will
understand.” – Confucius (circa 450BC)
Offering a variety of eXtended Reality (XR) tools in a flexible learning environment,
the Virtual Immersive Teaching and Learning (VITaL) Research Center serves as an incubator to enable experiences that would be impossible
or out of reach in a traditional learning environment. A new Learning Research Studio,
located in Adams Humanities (AH-1120), VITaL promotes experimentation with curriculum
design and the scholarship of teaching and learning. For more information on VITaL,
please see our blogpost outlining the courses utilizing VITaL and available VR/AR equipment available
at SDSU.
Today, virtual and augmented reality is changing how people work and learn. For instance,
physicians can practice performing surgeries; first responders can simulate how to
react to situations that are extraordinarily dangerous or infrequent; military personnel
can experience risky scenarios without leaving the safety of their base; retail sales
people can prepare for peak holiday periods or try out products that will be coming
soon. With this as context, VITaL will serve as an incubator for research on the next
wave of virtual and augmented technologies that can enable experiences that would
be impossible or out of reach in a traditional learning environment.
VITaL utilizes skills, knowledge, and expertise from across all areas of ITS and engages
with faculty from across all colleges at SDSU. This new Learning Research Studio,
located in Adams Humanities, room AH-1120, promotes experimentation with curriculum
design and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Offering a wide array of VR and
AR tools, VITaL is designed to leverage partnerships with key industry players such
as Microsoft, Magic Leap, and Yale University. Collaborators and stakeholders will
be invited to showcase their efforts via workshops and other events in this flexible
learning space.
VITaL is leading the way in changing the traditional learning environment through
cutting-edge simulation technology to set students up for success in an increasingly
digital world. With a wide variety of resources now being made available to faculty
such as the Meta Quest, Magic Leap, Microsoft HoloLens, and an array of 360° cameras,
students have the opportunity to engage with course material to learn in a new way.
More information on this equipment can be found in the VITaL faculty handout. With
the help of this equipment, the VITaL initiative has impacted 56 faculty and 70 classes
throughout the university and is continuing to grow. With the kickoff of the VITaL
Research Center Faculty Fellowship Grant program in the 2022-23 academic year, there
are numerous opportunities for faculty to remain engaged and drive innovation forward.
As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence, the VITaL Research Center is continuously
investigating methods to improve the teaching and learning experience with the use
of immersive technologies. In the future, public-private partnerships will be instrumental
in continuing to drive this innovation through continued funding for the program as
the Center takes on more collaborative opportunities with faculty, staff, and students.
Getting Started Questions
How can I use the VITaL functionality in my teaching/research?– To schedule a time to discuss the possibilities for your area of teaching or research,
contact ITS Director, Dr. Sean Hauze:[email protected]
How can I reserve time in VITaL?– Please fill out ourLearning Research Studio Reservation formand note that you are interested in AH-1120, the VITaL Learning Research Studio. ITS
staff will respond to your request as soon as possible.
If I am not scheduled to teach in AH-1120, can I still use the VITaL equipment?– Yes, we have several immersive learning devices for checkout, including 360º cameras,
head-mounted displays (HMDs), a VR backpack, and Google Cardboards.