SUU Launches Virtual Reality and Augmented Innovation Classroom and XR Southern Summit Conference

The future of education has arrived at Southern Utah University with the launch of its new Virtual Reality and Augmented Innovation Classroom. This cutting-edge facility offers students a hands-on experience in virtual reality and augmented reality content, utilizing state-of-the-art technology such as VR and AR headsets, high-end computers, and software.

Thanks to a nearly million-dollar innovation grant from the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), the VR/AR classroom was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dr. James Brandt, Dr. Richard Cozzens, Dr. Jeffery Cowley, Aundrea Frahm, Benjamin Kirkby, and Dr. Brandon Wiggins. This innovative learning environment provides students with immersive experiences that traditional methods cannot match, allowing them to interact with content and explore concepts in a profound and memorable manner while maintaining a safe environment.

With 23 of the newest headsets from Meta, a monitor for every headset, and a dedicated computer for development, the classroom is currently being utilized by over 15 classes in their curriculum. Students are using VR to learn human anatomy, develop professional soft skills, embark on virtual field trips, and collaborate on molecular design projects.

“SUU is interested in being on the leading edge of integrating emerging technologies into their higher education curricula,” said VR/AR Director Aundrea Frahm.

In addition to the classroom facility, SUU will be hosting the XR Southern Summit on March 29 and March 30 at the Hunter Alumni Conference Center. This large-scale virtual reality conference aims to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in VR and AR in education, bringing together experts and enthusiasts from various industries and universities to share their knowledge and experiences.

Keynote speaker Kevin Steed from KRS Electric and plenary speaker Rob Nelson, a content creator and biologist, will be among the presenters at the conference. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest developments and trends in VR and AR from speakers representing universities such as University of Utah, Utah State University, and Harvard, as well as vendors from companies like Transfr, SimX, and KRS.

To register or learn more about the XR Southern Summit, visit the conference website at https://www.suu.edu/xr/. SUU’s Center for Teaching Innovation is dedicated to supporting the university’s learning community by providing expertise and resources for projects of all scopes, from technical assistance to innovative teaching solutions.