Offering a variety of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality tools in a flexible learning environment, the Virtual Immersive Teaching and Learning (VITaL) environment 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.

Features and Benefits

Research

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.

Collaboration

VITaL utilizes skills, knowledge, and expertise from across all areas 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 smorgasbord of VR and AR tools, VITaL is designed to leverage partnerships with key industry players. Collaborators and stakeholders will be invited to showcase their efforts via workshops and other events in this flexible learning environment.

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/research, contact ITS Director, Dr. Sean Hauze: shauze@nullsdsu.edu

How can I reserve time in VITaL? – Please fill out our Learning Research Studio Reservation form and 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.

I am interested in this technology, how do I reach out? – Please fill out our  VITaL Interest Form.