Exploration and Deployment of XR in Higher Education

This presentation will focus on the use of virtual, mixed and augmented reality (XR) technologies in the field of higher education. XR is a medium that is likely to revolutionize the way students learn and interact with educational content. During the presentation, Rob will discuss the various ways in which XR technologies, predominantly virtual reality (VR), are being utilized at Georgian College, such as for immersive simulations, virtual field trips, and interactive course materials. Rob will share how Georgian has taken a thoughtful and fiscally responsible approach to the exploration and integration or immersive VR and will share many of the challenges along the way. He will present case studies and examples of successful implementation and some of the barriers and failures.

About our Featured Speaker: 

Rob Theriault is the Immersive Technology Manager for Georgian College in Ontario, Canada. Prior to taking this position, Rob was a 35 year veteran paramedic and former Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Rob also taught paramedics for almost as many years. After introducing virtual reality into the paramedic program at Georgian and helping to create a VR hub in the library, Rob was asked to lead the exploration and integration of VR for Georgian’s seven campuses. Since the start of 2020 Georgian has launched over twenty virtual reality pilots in program areas such as Indigenous language learning, Veterinary Technician, Biotech, Paramedic, Nursing, Power Engineering, Events Management, Maritime Ship Navigation and others. In 2022, Rob received the Virtual World Society’s prestigious Nextant Educator Prize which honors those individuals who dedicate their work to enhancing the educational XR experience for others.