Swami Hinojosa
Editor-in-Chief
In a world where technology is advancing faster than we can comprehend, staying updated on the latest innovations is crucial. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into society has transformed not only the business and healthcare sectors but also education. One of the most groundbreaking developments is introducing virtual reality (VR) into learning environments. Devices like Oculus and the Apple Vision Pro are opening up new possibilities for teaching and engagement across different disciplines.
Professor Russel Betts, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for Science & Wellness Education, has been at the forefront of this technological shift. He shared how VR is now being used in his organic chemistry classes to help students interact with compound molecules in ways that were previously impossible. Students had access to physical models of compounds, but now, with the evolution of educational tools like VR, they can engage with these concepts more interactively. This not only enhances learning but also caters to various learning styles, making education more inclusive and accessible.
A collaborative effort led by Professor Betts and Michelle Levine, Associate Vice President of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, has resulted in a groundbreaking workshop designed for Broward College faculty and staff. “Incorporating Virtual Reality into our courses will allow students to immerse themselves in real-world experiences. From interacting with 3D models to exploring other countries or environments, to collaborating with classmates worldwide, VR brings to life experiences that, in the past, we could only read about or imagine,” said Levine. This workshop will introduce participants to the world of VR, equipping them with the skills to integrate it into their classrooms. Through hands-on sessions with the Quest 3 headset, faculty will explore how this technology can revolutionize the way they teach.
The workshop is open to all faculty members, regardless of their prior experience with VR or technology. A Desire2Learn (D2L) course will be available to guide participants in mastering these new tools. During the hands-on sessions, faculty will use the Quest 3 headset to learn about the latest gadgets and how to incorporate VR into their teaching methods. It will address the diverse needs of participants by offering various activities that accommodate different learning styles. Whether participants are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, the VR experience is flexible and adaptable. Faculty members will also receive support on how to adjust VR-based activities to meet the unique needs of their students.
Participants will have access to follow-up resources and ongoing support after the workshop. The goal is to ensure that faculty members feel confident in using VR to enhance their courses. In terms of safety, all necessary measures will be in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience with the VR headsets.
As VR continues to evolve, its potential to transform education is becoming more apparent. Whether in science, the arts, or humanities, VR has the power to engage students in ways that traditional methods cannot. With workshops like this, Broward College is leading the charge in preparing educators for the future of learning.
