SUNY Immersive Augmented Reality Classroom

Abstract

The advent of affordable Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality solutions (Microsoft Hololens and HTC Vive) prompts us to explore the use of such technologies to enhance pedagogy via immersive room scale simulation. Therefore, we propose the creation of a shared virtual classroom space, known as the “SUNY Immersive Augmented Reality Classroom”. The effective use of a shared virtual workspace would increase student engagement, enhance pedagogical methods, and even inspire further student research utilizing these technologies. This space would be shared among multiple users giving a unique perspective for each student in a variety of courses. Our objectives in this project are 1) to utilize VR and AR to enable and improve a virtual classroom, 2) to obtain tools, equipment, and environments necessary for educators to fully utilize VR/AR technologies, and 3) to delineate and disseminate the best practices for educators and institutions seeking to employ VR/AR for pedagogy.