The New “reality:” Incorporating VR Technology into Education Abroad

Learning Objectives:

• Explore ways in which VR/ hybrid programming can attract and support traditionally underrepresented groups in study abroad, including minority, low-income, and first-generation students. The faculty speaker from the Pacific Northwest will share lessons learned from their 2-credit course in Normandy, France, and how they have collaborated across campus offices, including their Extended Reality Lab, library, and instructional design departments.
• Demonstrate best practices for developing stimulating VR learning environments, particularly targeting rural and STEM students. The institutional leader from the Mid-Atlantic school will share how they have engaged faculty and students from multiple disciplines, and also offered faculty incentives to ensure buy-in and promote creative program design.
• Articulate the unique administrative hurdles and potential career benefits of VR programs to both students and institutions. The career development staff speaker from the Northeast will share examples from their experience moving a VR project forward while navigating institutional administrative changes. They will also connect VR learning outcomes to career preparedness, an argument that is useful in garnering support on campus, even in times of change.
• Identify challenges and solutions for implementing VR initiatives on your campus. Speakers from each institution will share best practices for garnering support from leadership and other campus departments, training faculty on VR methodology, ensuring enrollment targets are met, and securing funding for their projects.