University Course: Practical Introduction to Virtual Reality in University Learning

Course Description

This course is designed for university students who are new to the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in education. Through five interactive lectures, students will gain hands-on experience with VR headsets, exploring virtual environments such as Rec Room and VRChat for virtual collaboration and social learning.

Course Duration

• Number of Lectures: 5

• Duration of each lecture: 15/20 minutes

Course Objectives

• Provide hands-on experience with VR headsets.

• Introduce students to interacting with virtual objects and environments.

• Foster collaborative learning through social VR platforms.

• Explore real-world training simulations through VR.

• Discuss future trends of VR in education.

Lesson Plan

Lesson 1: Exploring Virtual Reality in Education

• Briefing: Introduction to VR and its role in university courses.

• Headset Experience: (Meta platform)

o Experience of Meta tutorial and space of Meta Horizon World.

o Learning basic navigation (teleportation, movement and interactions).

Lesson 2: Interacting with Virtual Objects and Environments

• Briefing: Overview of VR hardware and use of controllers.

• Headset Experience (Rec Room platform):

o Access to the Rec Room VR Campus.

o Use of the whiteboard, creation of objects and interaction with 3D tools.

Lesson 3: Collaborative Learning in Social VR

• Briefing: Student interaction and collaboration in virtual classrooms.

• Headset Experience (VRChat platform):

o Participation in a collective game and of th university study group in VRChat.

o Practice of voice chat, gestures and avatar customization.

o Discussion using VR whiteboards and shared 3D models.

Lesson 4: Real-World Simulated Training in VR

• Briefing: VR for hands-on learning (e.g. workplace safety).

• Headset Experience (Simula Solutions platform):

o Workplace safety training simulation (Near Miss).

o Hands-on teamwork exercise in VR.

Lesson 5: Future of VR in Education and Advanced Applications

• Briefing: Future trends in VR (university teaching).

• Headset Experience (LabVr UNISI platform):

o Exploration of a university VR lab (PMA laboratory).

o Discussion on the future of virtual classrooms and research in VR.

o Final reflection: How can you use VR in your studies?

This course will enable students to understand and apply VR technology in the academic context, preparing them for a future where virtual education and interaction will become increasingly relevant.