Category: Metaverse

Quality education & leapfrogging the issues with virtual reality

Quality education & leapfrogging the issues with virtual reality

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Everything I do in virtual reality is fun! I’m continually amazed by the incredible people in this field; they are all truly dedicated and passionate individuals who are making change happen. I’m thankful to be a part of this community. As a member of the VR/AR Association and Education Committee, I am fortunate to attend regular meetings where virtual reality topics from around the globe are discussed and presented. At one of the recent meetings, we discussed training and delivery frameworks of education in the metaverse, and I was drawn to visit a link that was shared by Marcus Shingles, CEO of Exponential Design. Marcus and his team recently presented at the 8th Annual Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. They shared their insights on the Metaverse Global VR Competition, which brought in over 1,200 registrants and teams of young people aged 14 and up from over 70 countries around the world.  The goal of the competition was to create a metaverse in virtual reality for one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals aimed at improving the planet and the quality of human life around the world by the year 2030:-

 

  1. No Poverty

  2. Zero Hunger

  3. Good Health and Well-being

  4. Quality Education

  5. Gender Equality

  6. Clean Water and Sanitation

  7. Affordable and Clean Energy

  8. Decent Work and Economic Growth

  9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  10. Reduced Inequalities

  11. Sustainable Cities and Communities

  12. Responsible Consumption and Production

  13. Climate Action

  14. Life Below Water

  15. Life On Land

  16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  17. Partnerships for the Goals

Virtual reality and metaverse technologies have the potential to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various ways, such as raising awareness, promoting empathy and sensitization, and providing immersive experiences. These technologies can be used to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.  Marcus and the team at Exponential Destiny gave an impressive presentation, highlighting how virtual reality can be used as a tool by teachers to reinvent and improve education and learning. Their words echoed what many people in the VR community have been discussing.

I am so very thankful for all of the folks in the VR community who are working together to make a difference for all of us!  I believe that by using virtual reality to access the metaverse, we can provide equity and inclusion through immersion and experiential learning that isn’t currently available to everyone. It is a way to bridge the social, economic, and digital divide issues we currently have in education.

Managing the VR experience in the college classroom

Managing the VR experience in the college classroom

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

It can get a little crazy in a classroom when learners put on their headsets for the first time!  They immediately see before them so many things to click on!!!  They also want to share their emotional response to what they are seeing, out loud for everyone else to wonder at!

As a teacher it is so much fun to watch learners when they start to use VR – and those very first few minutes are absolutely priceless – to me anyway!!!  It brings the same kind of thrilling emotion that you get when you experience one of those life changing “first” moments, like seeing your infant roll over for the first time, travel to a new country or experiencing a new culture, or graduating from college!  Sharing the immersive experience is quite possibly the most important and emotionally  rewarding experience I have had during my teaching career. 

I have taught so many new technologies in the classroom over the decades, and I like to think that through those experiences I have a good grasp on classroom management, and the challenges of introducing new things!  I share here my thoughts on how to manage the VR experience in the classroom.

Managing a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets can be a unique and challenging experience for both the teacher and the students. Here are some tips on how to effectively manage a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets:

  1. Establish clear rules and expectations: Make sure to set clear rules and expectations for behavior while wearing virtual reality headsets. This could include guidelines on movement, communication, and appropriate use of the technology.

  2. Provide clear instructions: Ensure that all students understand how to use the virtual reality headsets and any software or apps that are being used in the classroom. Provide clear instructions and demonstrations as needed.

  3. Monitor student behavior: Keep an eye on students’ behavior while they are using virtual reality headsets. Be aware of any signs of disorientation, discomfort, or inappropriate behavior, and intervene if necessary.

  4. Use collaborative activities: Consider using collaborative activities that require students to work together in virtual reality. This can help build teamwork and communication skills and can also be a fun way to learn.

  5. Use virtual reality to enhance learning: Use virtual reality as a tool to enhance learning, not just as a novelty. Incorporate virtual reality experiences that align with your curriculum and learning objectives.

  6. Consider accessibility: Keep in mind that some students may have difficulty using virtual reality headsets, such as those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Consider alternative activities or accommodations for these students.

Overall, managing a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets requires careful planning, clear communication, and constant monitoring. With the right strategies in place, virtual reality can be an effective tool for enhancing learning and engagement in the classroom, not to mention a whole bunch of fun!!!!

Self Care In Virtual Reality!

Self Care In Virtual Reality!

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Virtual Reality (VR) technology can be a great tool for practicing self-care and relaxation. One way to do this is by using travel apps in VR.  My favorite travel app is Wander.  The app is user friendly, and has allowed me to travel pretty much anywhere, either alone or with friends and family.  I have really enjoyed meeting new people along the way too.  It has been a great way to take some self care time out!

On a recent self-care excursion, I decided to try out the app Meta recently released called Wooorld.  It is a competitor to Wander, and when I began to use it, I did find it difficult compared to Wander.  I almost decided to give up, but persevered and after a few hours, I can say that I am now quite comfortable, although there is more to learn there! So, you may ask, where was my first Wooorld self care trip?  I ventured to Venice!  I spent about an hour wandering around the canals and streets, it was definitely a good visit 🙂

 

Here are some steps to help you use travel apps in VR for self-care:

Choose a VR headset

You will need a VR headset to experience travel apps in VR. Popular options include the Oculus Quest 2, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.

Download a travel app

There are many travel apps available for VR, such as Wander, Google Earth VR, and National Geographic Explore VR. Choose one that appeals to you and download it onto your VR headset.

Choose a destination

Once you have the app, choose a destination that you would like to visit virtually. It could be a place you have always wanted to visit, a place that holds special meaning to you, or simply a place that looks beautiful and peaceful.

Explore the destination

Once you have chosen a destination, use the travel app to explore it. Move around, look at the scenery, and take in the sights and sounds. Immerse yourself in the experience as much as possible.

Practice mindfulness

While exploring the destination, practice mindfulness by focusing on your breath, your body, and your surroundings. Try to stay present in the moment and let go of any distractions or stressors.


Take breaks

If you start to feel overwhelmed or dizzy while using the VR headset, take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and take care of yourself.


Using travel apps in VR can be a great way to practice self-care and relaxation. It allows you to escape to a virtual destination, explore new places, and practice mindfulness all at once. Give it a try and see how it works for you!
 

You must agree, it does look like fun?
Take self-care 🙂

Train the Trainer Tips for VR

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Managing a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets can be a unique and challenging experience for both the teacher and the students. Here are some tips on how to effectively manage a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets:

  1. Establish clear rules and expectations: Make sure to set clear rules and expectations for behavior while wearing virtual reality headsets. This could include guidelines on movement, communication, and appropriate use of the technology.

  2. Provide clear instructions: Ensure that all students understand how to use the virtual reality headsets and any software or apps that are being used in the classroom. Provide clear instructions and demonstrations as needed.

  3. Monitor student behavior: Keep an eye on students’ behavior while they are using virtual reality headsets. Be aware of any signs of disorientation, discomfort, or inappropriate behavior, and intervene if necessary.

  4. Use collaborative activities: Consider using collaborative activities that require students to work together in virtual reality. This can help build teamwork and communication skills and can also be a fun way to learn.

  5. Use virtual reality to enhance learning: Use virtual reality as a tool to enhance learning, not just as a novelty. Incorporate virtual reality experiences that align with your curriculum and learning objectives.

  6. Consider accessibility: Keep in mind that some students may have difficulty using virtual reality headsets, such as those with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Consider alternative activities or accommodations for these students.

Overall, managing a classroom of people wearing virtual reality headsets requires careful planning, clear communication, and constant monitoring. With the right strategies in place, virtual reality can be an effective tool for enhancing learning and engagement in the classroom.

Which HEI’s Are Using Virtual Reality

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

There are many universities in the United States that are using virtual reality (VR) for instruction. Here are a few examples:

1. Stanford University

2. University of Southern California

3. Harvard University

4. MIT

5. Duke University

6. University of California, Berkely

7. Ohio State University

8. University of Texas at Austin

9. Columbia University

10. New York University

These institutions are using VR for a variety of purposes, including enhancing experiential learning, increasing student engagement, and improving accessibility to education. VR is being used in subjects such as medicine, engineering, architecture, art, and more.  It’s important to note that this is just a small sample of the universities that are using VR for instruction. Many institutions, including colleges, are actively exploring and experimenting with VR technology, and the list is constantly growing. More to come on the list of colleges…..

What is an Immersive Learning Policy?

What is an Immersive Learning Policy?

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Humble Beginnings!

When I began teaching Social Media and Social Media Strategy, in the first decade of the 21st century, it was new to us!  There was actually a time before social media, and in those days, education establishments used traditional marketing efforts.  However, it became clear to institutions that they needed to adopt social media to support their marketing plans.  I was fortunate to be assigned a special project by my college.  I was asked to develop my college’s social media networks and social media presence in a strategic manner.  It was a great opportunity to use social media to reach our students and our community.  My focus at that time was to build a Social Media Strategy, that had measurable social media objectives, as well as the building of a Social Media Policy, that clearly identified guidelines for users. 

I am proud of the contribution I made to my school and my community in the realm of social media, back then, and my passion for developing student engagement and community relationship building through the internet continued to grow!  In  2021 I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation on “California Community Colleges: Social Media Practices, A Qualitative Case Study.  The study provided recommendations and guidance for higher education leaders in developing social media strategies to support the goals of the California Vision for Success. 

The world is abuzz with Web3.0, VR, Immersive Learning & AI

And, here we are today, and the world is abuzz with the evolution into Web3.0, Virtual Reality, Immersive Learning, and Artificial Intelligence!  It is a time, just like the time when social media emerged, that institutions need a plan!  Institutions are utilizing virtual reality tools to support student learning, engagement and success.  It is important that institutions develop strategies and policies on learning utilizing immersive technologies, and I outline below what to consider as a part of an Immersive Learning Policy.

Immersive Learning Policy

A comprehensive Immersive Learning Policy would outline guidelines and support for the effective use of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), in education.  The policy would address important issues related to technology, instructional design, faculty development, student support, assessment, privacy, and security.  Below are items to consider when developing the plan!

Purpose and goals

Outline the goals and objectives of using immersive technologies in education, such as enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes.

Technology standards

Specify hardware and software requirements for immersive technology systems and ensure that they meet accessibility standards.

Instructional design

Provide guidelines for creating effective immersive learning experiences, such as incorporating interactivity, providing feedback, and balancing immersion with learning objectives.

Faculty development

Offer training and support for faculty to effectively integrate immersive technologies into their teaching and create engaging and effective learning experiences.

Student support

Provide resources and support for students using immersive technologies, such as technical assistance, online tutorials, and help desks.

Assessment and evaluation

Develop methods for evaluating the effectiveness of immersive learning experiences, including both formative and summative assessments.

Data privacy and security

Address privacy and security concerns related to the use of immersive technologies in education, including data storage, access, and privacy policies.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the Immersive Learning Policy and make changes as needed to ensure that it is meeting its goals and objectives.

If you have any questions, or suggestions, by all means reach out! 

How to fully enjoy the virtual reality experience!

How to fully enjoy the virtual reality experience!

Posted on by Dr Pirtle
Have Fun In VR
Enjoy The Virtual Reality Experience!

It is important to be comfortable

It is important to know how to fully enjoy the virtual reality experience in a headset! You must be comfortable, and you must know how to avoid the nausea and dizziness feeling that people report !  I am now a regular headset user, but when I started out, I too experienced a small amount of nausea and dizziness, but thankfully I developed strategies that proved very helpful!  I thought it important to share how to enjoy the VR experience when wearing a headset!  If you, or someone you know, experiences nausea or dizziness, read on, these tips might help! 

But that nausea and dizziness!!!!

When I began using the Meta Quest 2 headset, there were occasions when I felt nauseous, and sometimes I felt dizzy.  This typically happened when I was using apps that involved a lot of movement around me, or, had me arrive at a location that appeared to be high up above the ground!  I do not do well with heights or fairground rides, so it makes sense that in VR I would have some difficulty with that too.  I also struggled with the weight of the headset on my face!  Despite these early difficulties, I soldiered on, and I believed that having the virtual reality opportunity and experiences justified taking the time to become more familiar and comfortable!  Just like learning to ride a bicycle when I was a child, or when I learned to ski, I had to learn strategies to ensure I could be safe and effective to fully enjoy the experiences, and this new experience was no different!   

I began my virtual reality experience by taking frequent breaks, whereas now I am a user who loses complete track of time – and I now set my event alarm on my phone–a lot!!!  Early on, I also found the weight of the headset on my face to be uncomfortable, it made my head ache!  I ventured online to see what could help me with that, and I settled on purchasing a BoboVR!  The BobVR attaches to my headset strap and balances the weight nicely – it even holds a portable battery too!  Did I say I lose track of time in the headset? That also means that I run out of juice regularly, so having a wearable spare battery is very helpful!

Tips on how to enjoy your virtual reality experience

My own experiences with headsets, and watching students and friends wear headsets, leads me to the purpose of this blog post, which is to provide tips on how to enjoy the VR experience when you are wearing your headset, so here goes:-

  • Adjust the headset to make sure it fits comfortably and securely on your head
  • Try to keep your head level and still when using the headset
  • If possible, reduce the brightness and contrast of the visuals displayed on the headset. 
  • Take frequent breaks from the headset every 15-20 minutes to avoid onset of dizziness and nausea
  • Move slowly in virtual reality to avoid triggering the vestibular system and potentially cause dizziness
  • Sit in a stationary chair while using the headset to help maintain balance
  • Adjust the Interpupillary distance (IPD) settings on the headset to help with the focus and alignment of the lenses for your eyes
  • Consider purchasing prescription lenses – they are reasonably priced! A friend of mine just purchased a pair of prescription lenses for her Quest for $80
  • Increase frame rate: Lower frame rates can increase dizziness for some people, adjusting the frame rate in the headset settings may help.
  • I have heard from other friends that chewing gum while using the headset works too, but I haven’t tried that myself!
  • Consider searching online for headset straps – you will be surprised how many gadgets are out there to help you to be comfortable.  I personally recommend the BoboVR.

I hope these suggestions give you some relief if you are having problems with being physically comfortable while spending time in virtual reality!  I no longer struggle at all and am a regular VR user 🙂  By all means if you have any tips to add, please comment!

 

VR & The New Form of Education Establishment

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Between the 1990’s and today, education establishments, and our classrooms, have evolved into places where the use of web pages, internet databases, and interactive online tools, including social media, have become a part of the furniture so to speak! In my view, virtual reality is the next best use of the internet for the classroom and for education establishments! Much like the students of today expect and demand online learning experiences, so too will the learners of tomorrow (which is not that far away) have an expectation for education establishments to provide them a 3D virtual learning experiences.

The Immersive Experience

With the help of VR technology, students can currently have immersive and interactive experiences that can enhance their understanding and retention of complex concepts. It can provide students with access to resources and simulations that they wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise. By immersing students in simulated settings, VR provides an engaging and interactive learning experience and enables students to gain a better understanding of complex concepts – in effect, it helps bridge the gap between theory and practice,

Complementing Instruction With VR

Virtual reality can complement student studies in several ways:

  1. Hands-on learning: VR provides students with a hands-on, interactive experience that can help them better understand and retain complex concepts. For example, students can explore a virtual environment to learn about anatomy or chemistry.

  2. Immersive simulations: VR simulations can allow students to experience real-world scenarios in a safe, controlled environment. This can be especially useful in fields such as medicine, engineering, and architecture, where hands-on experience is essential.

  3. Access to remote resources: With VR, students can access resources from anywhere in the world, such as virtual museum tours or virtual field trips.

  4. Skill development: VR can provide opportunities for students to develop important skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

  5. Increased engagement: VR can increase student engagement and motivation, leading to a more positive learning experience.

The Digital Twin

Higher education establishments must prepare to embrace Virtual Reality not only as a method of instruction, but also as a way to provide educational services. The campus setting that was built for the boomer generation (the largest generation), has become antiquated and expensive to maintain. The campus setting services a declining population today yet the learner needs of the post covid pandemic are much different than what our institutions were designed for. By the creation of a digital twin (a digital 3D copy of the physical campus) student services may be provided in real time, cost effectively, in a 3D environment – as and when needed. 

Metaversities

There are currently 10 Universities in the US that have already built their “digital twin”, also known as Metaversities.  They are:  Morehouse College in Georgia, the University of Kansas School of Nursing, New Mexico State University, South Dakota State University, Florida A&M University, West Virginia University, Southwestern Oregon Community College, California State University, Alabama A&M University and University of Maryland.  They have been planning for students to visit their virtual campus from anywhere.  Read more about that here! https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/10-universities-to-launch-digital-twin-metaversities

So, is virtual reality a threat to higher education establishments?

More to come 🙂

Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality in Education

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized the virtual reality experience by bringing a whole new level of realism and interactivity to it. AI-driven applications can now track user movements, detect facial expressions, and understand voice commands, allowing users to feel as if they are immersed in a virtual environment with realistic interactions. In addition, AI is being used for natural language processing which helps create immersive conversations with digital characters and objects in VR. This technology is making virtual reality more engaging than ever before, and with these advances, it means that teachers will be able to prepare our students for the future workforce where they can be employed by any industry and use any technology.

The project I am working on is training teachers how to use VR to support their curriculum, and I have been fortunate enough to be able to work with them. I am very excited for students to have the opportunity to utilize immersive technologies in their learning because they are more engaging than traditional classroom learning.  I am so excited for the students who will have the privilege of using immersive technologies in their learning. I’ve seen firsthand how these technologies can transform and enhance the learning experience of adults, and I am confident that students will also find themselves more engaged and motivated thanks to their use. A quick search for scientific research proves my point – the research is showing that immersive technologies are a major positive for learners of all ages.

I am thrilled that I have the opportunity to help prepare our workforce for the future by helping our educators to embrace this technology. I am passionate about improving education in the U.S. because I know the importance of early education in influencing the future success of American society and the economy!

 

Pedagogy of Teaching in Virtual Reality

Posted on by Dr Pirtle

While most teachers in a traditional classroom plan for interactive experiences for learners, many teachers also know that engaging students is becoming more and more challenging and demands more creativity than ever before. My experiences teaching in a virtual reality setting align with what the research is showing, that learners become completely immersed and fully engaged. In virtual reality, I have witnessed that learners feel present immediately, and feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment and, they absolutely engage all the time! This is a fully immersive experience.

Teaching a class inside of a Virtual Reality setting involves much planning, in the same manner a lesson planning for a traditional classroom. There needs to be a lot of thought about the interactive opportunities to be provided, but also a lot of planning around the technology, classroom setting, and the multitude of tools that can be utilized to facilitate a great learner experience. While the virtual reality environment provides well for the opportunity for all to be fully involved, the classroom management techniques need a definite upgrade from the way a teacher manages a traditional face to face classroom, or even a traditional online classroom, if there is such a thing!

There are many different applications or platforms that can be used in which to launch a class. Deciding which application/platform to use, depends on the type of experience you would like to provide to the students. Perhaps you would like a traditional lecture format, in which the instructor presents at a podium and utilizes some form of projection system to a large screen. Perhaps the instructor would like a whiteboard and access to web resources that can also be projected for the the students to see. There are so many more options in the virtual reality world, such as customizing the environment and spaces, creating objects which users may interact with, or, opportunities for group activities that allow users to move freely around the space with tools/tasks in hand. It is very wise to check out what the different platforms/apps have to offer, I use several platforms, each for the different experiences they provide – and the choice usually depends on what kind of immersive experience I want my learners to achieve and which tools I would like them to use.