What is it?
AT will be soft-launching the opening of a new Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) instructional space which will be available for instructors to bring their students in groups to experience AR/VR content.
Virtual Reality is gaining ground as one of the latest tools for computing. It is making exploring, training, learning and entertainment immersive. You can now see and interact with the virtual world in the safety and comfort of your home or classroom. To do so, you would need access to these devices.
Academic Technology recognizes this growing trend. We are now providing access to these tools to expand virtual learning at SFSU.
In our lab, we have five virtual reality headsets that students and faculty can use. Access to training and learning resources are only a few clicks away. In Steam, users can access educational games and simulators, as well as the latest games produced by top tier developers. For those who are interested in in making the next generation of games for the virtual world, access to the developer software is there. Artists can now make virtual art and take 3D modeling to another level. Our staff will guide you through setting up and logging into the virtual world.
- New users can try a sample of the many free VR simulators Steam has to offer.
- Gamers can access their Steam accounts to challenge other users in VR competition!
- Join the growing community of users!
Contact:
Phone: (415) 405-5555
Email: at_desk@sfsu.edu
Office: LIB 80
Our equipment:
- 5 VR stations using HTC Vive Pro 2 Virtual Reality Headsets and paddle-like controllers for navigating the VR experience
- 5 powerful Dell and Alienware computers
- Each station is connected to a large TV so that a small group of observers can see what the active participant sees
- Currently have a set of activities available, but we may be able to add other titles as requested
Our motivators:
- Provide resources for faculty or departments to discover ways to use VR in their curriculum
- Create a space where faculty can bring students for organized class-based activities
- Develop an institutional practice for support for VR and AR technologies
AT is prioritizing training and awareness engagements for faculty and departments in Spring 2024 through:
- Introduction to VR training sessions (scheduled by department or faculty group workshops)
- Open house events through Spring 2024
- Consultations with the AT VR team
Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive computer-generated 3D environment generated by the computer that you typically engage with using a head-mounted display (shown) and controllers.
Related Concepts:
Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to real world environment. It overlays a feature or function of an object to be a reference or guide.
Mixed Reality is an interactive version where you can involve both physical and digital items.