AR/VR in the Higher Ed Classroom
This faculty-led research cluster explores the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) as innovative educational tools in the undergraduate classroom. The cluster and its participants will explore how AR/VR is already being used in the 海角直播 curriculum across disciplines to achieve learning outcomes, facilitate dynamic teaching, and foster collaborative and immersive learning experiences. The cluster also provides an opportunity to support the development and implementation of cross-disciplinary collaborations that incorporate AR/VR applications in research and in community-based learning projects. As such, the cluster aims to develop best practices and strategies that harness the power of AR/VR to engage students, promote a deeper understanding of complex concepts, uplift diversity and inclusion, and cultivate essential skills for academic and professional success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Fall 2025 Events
Thursday, September 11, 1-2:30 pm. Caruth 406. Lunch & Learn: “Faculty Workshop on VR for Language Learning.” Guest speaker Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, Ph.D. (Department of Learning Technologies at UNT) will offer a hands-on workshop with VR stations for language students and teachers. Lunch provided to all registrants.
Monday, September 15, 3-5 pm. VR Corner Kick-Off. Undergraduate (and graduate) speakers of other languages are invited to stop by the World Languages Teaching and Tech Center for the fall kick-off of our VR Corner. Stop by to explore opportunities to practice your language skills in VR and learn how to reserve the VR corner throughout the semester.
Spring 2026 Events
January 2026 (Date/time TBD). “Picture Yourself Abroad.” In anticipation of the February 1 deadline to apply for 海角直播 Abroad Summer 2026 programs, stop by the World Languages Teaching and Technology Center to explore 海角直播 Abroad program sites in Virtual Reality!
April 2026 (Date/time TBD). Presentation of undergraduate research project. Undergraduate cluster member, Taran Sortino, will present the results of his ELSA project on how VR language learning applications can supplement German language learning by providing students with immersive, culturally rich, and interactive experiences that go beyond what is typically possible in the classroom.
On-going Cluster Activities
The AR/VR cluster is running a pilot study on the impact of VR language learning apps on L2 learner motivation. The World Languages and Literatures Teaching and Technology Center has several VR headsets and subscriptions to 3 different language learning applications. If you would like to book a 30-minute session to test out these apps or learn how you might incorporate them into classroom activities, please let us know. We currently offer one-on-one consultations and group reservations (max 4 people per booking) at the following times: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 3-5 PM.