{"id":11077,"date":"2019-09-05T19:57:33","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T23:57:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/?p=11077"},"modified":"2021-11-03T12:34:52","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T16:34:52","slug":"vrtips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2019\/09\/05\/vrtips\/","title":{"rendered":"Important tips for putting VR experiences into your teaching"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.22&#8243; fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _i=&#8221;0&#8243; _address=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-72px|auto||auto||&#8221; _i=&#8221;0&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.25&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; _i=&#8221;0&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0&#8243; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2019\/09\/new_virtual_reality_room_banner-1024&#215;213.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; _i=&#8221;0&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; _i=&#8221;1&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.1&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The Hunter Library VR room serves as a place for you and your students to explore virtual reality.<br \/> <strong>Before making an assignment<\/strong>, lab exercise, or project that requires students to use the library\u2019s VR room, it will be helpful to know the following:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1) <strong>Contact the VR coordinator (Jill Ellern) for a tour and training.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Arrange for an appointment of at least 1-hour for your own VR experience in this space.\u00a0 This session will include how to use the system and what VR options are available for your students. You might need several sessions to completely explore and understand some of the more complex software titles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;mailto:ellern@email.wcu.edu&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Contact VR coordinator (Jill Ellern)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; button_border_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; _i=&#8221;2&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.2&#8243;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; min_height=&#8221;461px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-14px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||26px|||&#8221; _i=&#8221;3&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.3&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3>2) <strong>There is a limited number of systems in the library<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">There are 2 Oculus Rift stations and 2 HTC Vive stations. There is also a PlayStation VR system. There are also two Oculus Rift headsets, 2 Ricoh Theta 360 cameras and a GoPro available for 7-day checkout.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">\n<h4><strong>Points to keep in mind about this limitation:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><u>Not all software runs on both systems.<\/u> <\/strong>This can further limit the number of stations available for an activity.<\/li>\n<li><strong><u>Only one student can wear the system at a time.<\/u><\/strong> Large screen monitors allow others in the room to see what the headset wearer \u201csees,\u201d but it is not the same experience as having the headset on.<\/li>\n<li><u><strong>Anyone can book time in the VR room.<\/strong> <\/u>Class assignments do have priority over other activities in scheduling, but your students will compete for time with other VR room scheduling requests. The room is available to reserve anytime the library is open.<\/li>\n<li><strong><u>Consider using Google Cardboard as an option.<\/u><\/strong> While not as robust an option for a VR experience, it is a viable option for getting a 3D view. The equipment affordable for every student (under $20) and most students have a smartphone that is used to run the system.\u00a0 360 videos and still images are openly available on the web or you can create these yourself using the library\u2019s cameras, or your\/your students&#8217; smartphones. We currently have 7 available for checkout at the Circulation Desk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong style=\"color: #592c88; font-size: 18px;\">Other ideas that might help with this limitation:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Reserve Time:<\/strong><\/span> It is possible to reserve time at particular stations for a class and then \u201csublet\u201d these times to a specific class roster. <em>Talk to your library liaison or the VR coordinator (Jill Ellern) about how this works and about setting up this option for your class lab.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Limitations:<\/strong> <\/span>There are limitations to the amount of people that can be in the VR room at any one time. Consider creating small groups as viewing teams for VR assignments.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Max Number:<\/strong><\/span> It is recommended that no more than 2-5 per station and no more than 15 students total in the VR room at one time.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Groups:<\/strong><\/span> Students can then help each other with this technology as a group activity.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Departmental Lab Assistant:<\/strong><\/span> A student assistant from your department can be useful for a large enrollment course with a VR assignment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;mailto:ellern@email.wcu.edu&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Contact VR coordinator (Jill Ellern)&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; button_border_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; _i=&#8221;4&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.4&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||1px|||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||51px|||&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-5px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; _i=&#8221;5&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.5&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3>3)<strong> <\/strong><strong>A small percentage of the population will have issues viewing\/using this technology<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">Some people will get dizzy, nauseated, or claustrophobic using this equipment.\u00a0 Consider having an alternative assignment for these students.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4) <strong>There is a learning curve for VR equipment.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">While the library can provide some one-on-one or class training sessions, the room itself is not staffed. Most students will need help the first time they use the equipment.\u00a0 You will need to plan an introductory session or consider working with your department to provide a lab assistant to help.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>5) <strong>The library is piloting a purchasing process for VR software.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Currently, the only titles available in the room are those free items that came with the technology.\u00a0 We are working on the process of faculty requests for specific VR titles. If you are interested in exploring additional software that will support your teaching and learning, Jill Ellern, VR Coordinator or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wcu.edu\/hunter-library\/about-hunter-library\/staff-directory.aspx#tabs-3\" style=\"font-size: 14px;\">your library liaison<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you would like to learn more about the VR Room at Hunter Library, contact Jill Ellern, VR Coordinator. Students, faculty, and staff may reserve a VR station online.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wcu.libcal.com\/reserve\/VR&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Click to schedule time on a VR system&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.27.4&#8243; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; button_border_color=&#8221;#592c88&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||-2px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;7px|||||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; _i=&#8221;6&#8243; _address=&#8221;0.0.0.6&#8243; min_height=&#8221;42px&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Hunter Library VR room serves as a place for you and your students to explore virtual reality. Before making an assignment, lab exercise, or project that requires students to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1483,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h3>1) <strong>There is a limited number of systems in the library<\/strong>.<\/h3>\r\n2 Oculus Rift stations and 2 HTC Vive stations. There is also a PlayStation VR system.\u00a0 There are also two Oculus Rift headsets, 2 Ricoh Theta 360 cameras and a GoPro available for checkout.\r\n<h4>Points to keep in mind about this limitation:<\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><u>Not all software runs on both systems.<\/u> This can further limit the number of stations available for an activity.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><u>Only one student can wear the system at a time.<\/u> Large screen monitors allow others in the room to see what the headset wearer \u201csees\u201d, it is not the same experience as having the headset on.\u00a0 However, watching the action on the monitor can speed up the learning process, but there is no substitute for having the headset on.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><u>First come, first served scheduling system unless other arrangements are made.<\/u> Class assignments do have priority over other activities in scheduling, but your students will compete for time with other VR room scheduling requests. The room is available anytime the library is open.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><u>Consider using Google Cardboard as an option.<\/u> While not as robust an option for a VR experience, it is a viable option for getting a 3D view. The equipment affordable for every student (under $20) and most students have a smartphone in their pockets that is used to run the system.\u00a0 Videos and still 360 images are openly available on the web or you can create these yourself using the library\u2019s cameras, or your\/your students' smartphones. Check it out.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h4>Other ideas that might help with this limitation:<\/h4>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>It is possible to reserve time at particular stations for a class and then \u201csublet\u201d these times to a specific class roster. Talk to your library liaison or the VR coordinator (Jill Ellern) about how this works and about setting up this option for your class lab.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Consider creating viewing teams for VR assignments. Students can then help each other with this technology as a group activity. \u00a0\u00a0A student assistant\u2019s time can also be useful for an assignment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>2) <strong>About 2%-10% of the population will have issues viewing\/using this technology<\/strong>.<\/h3>\r\nAlthough it is getting better all the time, some people will get dizzy, sick or claustrophobic using this equipment.\u00a0 You will need to have alternative assignments for these students.\r\n<h3>3) <strong>Using the VR equipment is not intuitive yet.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nWhile the library can provide some one-on-one or class training sessions, the room itself is not staffed. Students will need help the first time they use the equipment.\u00a0 You will need to plan an introductory session or consider working with your department to provide a lab assistant to help.\r\n<h3>4) <strong>The library is just beginning to pilot the process of purchasing VR software for the room.<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nCurrently, the only titles available are those free items that came with the technology.\u00a0 We are working on the process of faculty requests for specific VR titles.\u00a0 You will need to work with the VR coordinator (Jill Ellern) and your library liaison on requests for additional software and demos. Part of this process is to ask you the above questions and get some assurance that you will use the software requested in your classes.\u00a0 Jill will work with the company to get the information needed to consider the purchase of this software once it has been identified. However, during this evaluation phrase, you will need to be prepared to talk to the library staff about how you will address the challenges listed above for your student\u2019s use of the VR room.","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[87,403,204,168],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-active-learning","category-gamification","category-learn","category-student-engagement"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":22015,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2025\/01\/15\/etle-spring-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":0},"title":"ETLE &#8211; Spring 2025","author":"Anabel Livengood","date":"January 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;AI&quot;","block_context":{"text":"AI","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/ai\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"QR code to registration form.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2025\/01\/ETLE-2025-reg-SV_9ohl1hG2sh0Hp2e-qrcode.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":21131,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2023\/02\/24\/summer-institute-for-teaching-learning-sitl-2023\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":1},"title":"Summer Institute for Teaching &amp; Learning (SITL) 2023","author":"Ian Selig","date":"February 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2023\/02\/Bradshaw.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6927,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2019\/02\/07\/virtual-reality-room-in-hunter-library\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":2},"title":"Virtual Reality Room In Hunter Library","author":"Eli Collins-Brown","date":"February 7, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":375,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2016\/07\/01\/update-on-google-cardboard-virtual-reality\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":3},"title":"Update on Google Cardboard Virtual Reality","author":"Jonathan Wade","date":"July 1, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"If you have been paying any attention to the promises and prospects of virtual reality as an educational tool, I have no doubt that you have at least heard of Google Cardboard. Google Cardboard is an outgrowth of genius (free-form development) time for a number of Google employees. It grew\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Google Expedition Kits","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/sandbox.wcu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Screen-Shot-2016-06-29-at-4.57.36-PM-300x141.png?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17891,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2020\/11\/03\/canvas-has-arrived\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":4},"title":"Canvas has Arrived!","author":"Eli Collins-Brown","date":"November 3, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"We have exciting news for you about Canvas!\u00a0 All faculty and staff now have access to Canvas!\u00a0 Click on the graphic or go to (https:\/\/westerncarolina.instructure.com\/) and log in with your WCU username and password.\u00a0 The entry point is the Dashboard where you will see: Development Shell \u2013 you are the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2020\/11\/Untitled-1.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":18859,"url":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/2021\/03\/29\/the-syllabus-in-canvas\/","url_meta":{"origin":11077,"position":5},"title":"The Syllabus Tool in Canvas","author":"Eli Collins-Brown","date":"March 29, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/blog\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Canvas Course Syllabus, Summary and Events","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2021\/03\/Canvas-Course-Syllabus-Summary-and-Events.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2021\/03\/Canvas-Course-Syllabus-Summary-and-Events.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2021\/03\/Canvas-Course-Syllabus-Summary-and-Events.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/87\/2021\/03\/Canvas-Course-Syllabus-Summary-and-Events.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1483"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11077"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11077\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11386,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11077\/revisions\/11386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cfc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}