College Opens Virtual Reality Lab

Carroll Community College has recently opened a Virtual Reality Lab on campus. Nicknamed the “Lynx Lair,” the lab provides cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) experiences across multiple disciplines such as anatomy, history, languages, science and much more. These virtual experiences are offered free to Carroll students and faculty as a tool to enhance learning and teaching.

“While many people associate VR solely with gaming, this technology provides an immersive, visual learning experience that is both powerful and engaging,” said Andrea Gravelle, Director of Online Learning & Media, who oversees the lab. “Studies have shown that VR leads to higher student engagement, and it also provides opportunities for students to collaborate. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun!”

To use VR, participants wear a headset while holding two controllers to navigate their experience. In the headset, the participant becomes fully immersed, typically in a 360-degree environment.

There are currently more than 40 exciting and educational programs that students can experience, spanning a wide variety of topics with more to be added in the coming months. Some examples include:

• Medical training, including a VR anatomy atlas
• Tour of Anne Frank’s house
• Visiting the Titanic shipwreck
• Experiencing the 1943 Berlin Blitz
• Joining an expedition to the summit of Mount Everest
• Taking a trip to the International Space Station

“Carroll has always been on the leading edge of educational experiences for our students,” said Dr. James D. Ball, President of Carroll Community College, “and virtual reality provides a new and powerful avenue for learning.”

Experience the future of education today! For more information about our VR opportunities and to make an appointment to use the VR Lab, go to our Virtual Reality Lab page.