Immersive Technology


man wearing vr headset
 

REDEFINE
WHAT IS
POSSIBLE

Overview

At the forefront of educational innovation, our X3 Studio and Innovation Studio are transforming how students engage with learning and how instructors design their curriculum.

By integrating immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), into our academic spaces, we provide faculty and students with hands-on opportunities to explore, prototype, and develop new ways to learn.

Getting Started with XR

Learn how CITL’s XR Resources can enhance your teaching experience

vr headset and controllers

What is XR?

Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term for all immersive technologies that blend the physical and digital worlds.

This includes:

  • Virtual Reality (VR)
    • Immersive virtual environment that block view of the physical environment
    • Uses Head Mounted Display (HMD)
  • Augmented Reality (AR)
    • Virtual objects placed on top of the physical environment
    • Uses flat mobile screen
  • Mixed Reality (MR)
    • Virtual objects integrated into the physical environment
    • Uses both mobile screen or HMD
two women wearing vr headsets

Why XR for Learning?

Research continues to demonstrate XR’s unique ability to foster empathy and compassion, making it an impactful tool for experiential learning.

XR offers a powerful way to help students see the world from a different perspective by creating immersive learning experiences that go beyond the traditional textbook or screen.

At the University of Illinois, we use XR to foster human-centered learning that:

  • Encourages deeper understanding of topics
  • Enable new forms of engagement
  • Provides a safe space for experimentation
  • Explores new ways of ‘learning by doing’
man wearing vr headset doing a demo to a class

Who is Using XR?

Our CITL Studios are actively contributing to this shift by hosting instructors and classes focused on immersive experiences.

Faculty across diverse disciplines have partnered with us to integrate VR experiences into their teaching, including those seeking to spark deeper student engagement through immersive learning.

Our interdisciplinary partners:

  • Social Work - empathy experiences
  • Political Science - exploring migration and nature
  • Business - leadership experiences
  • Fashion - zero waste fashion design and prototyping
  • Engineering - sustainable technology
  • Psychology - exploring neuroscience concepts

Immersive Technologies at CITL

Interested in using immersive technologies for your next class? We are here to help.

a man doing a presentation to a classroom

Host XR Experiences

Want your students to experience XR?

Our Innovation Studio lets students, faculty, and staff experience a variety of XR applications.

These experiences support active learning and encourage creative exploration across disciplines.

Visit us for Open Hours!

Open Mon and Tues
12pm to 4pm
Room 172 in the Armory

a man consulting with a group of people

XR Consultation

Want to see how XR can help you?

We answer questions regarding XR and its various use cases in education, and how best to implement them.

Schedule a time to meet with us in the X3 Studio so that we can better understand your teaching needs.

Come Explore the X3 Studio!

Open Mon thru Fri
9am to 5pm
Room 156 in the Armory

a man wearing a vr headset doing a virtual lab test

XR Development

Got an idea for your class?

We develop vertical slices of varying types of experiences for faculty and staff on a case-by-case basis.

Meet with our XR Designer in the X3 Studio to co-design a Minimum Viable User Experience for your class.

Schedule a time to meet!

Please email:
CITL Support
to arrange an appointment