AR VR Innovation Discovery Event

The Division of Digital Learning’s Faculty Multimedia Center (FMC) and Pegasus Innovation Lab (iLab) will be hosting events in partnership with departments and colleges around UCF. The AVID events aim to promote the growth of a vibrant community of professionals within the VR and AR space. AVID will offer a platform for the sharing of real-world use cases and research through interactive tech demonstrations and presentations.

Join us for the next AVID (AR VR Innovation Discovery) event, featuring two engaging presentations focused on XR in the classroom and practical XR implementation and usage strategies. The sessions will be followed by an interactive tech showcase and networking hour. Our summer AVID event will be held at the Digital Learning Center, Room-136a/b, 12351 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826.

Please take our AVID survey to let us know what you are interested in learning about and/or incorporating into your teaching or research practices.

The AVID (AR VR Innovation Discovery) event returning on July 1, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

View the Agenda!

1:00 – 1:10: Welcome and Getting Started

Welcome to AVID! Hosted by the Division of Digital Learning’s Faculty Multimedia Center (FMC) and Pegasus Innovation Lab (iLab), AVID brings together professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts passionate about Virtual and Augmented Reality. Our events foster a dynamic community where you can explore interactive tech demonstrations, learn about real-world applications, and hear insights from experts. Reflecting on past successes, AVID continues to expand, promoting innovation and collaboration across departments and colleges at UCF. We’re thrilled you’ve joined us—let’s shape the future of immersive technology together. Welcome, and thank you for being part of our growing AVID community!

1:10 – 2:00 From Pixel to Practice: Creating Hands-On Virtual Labs with 360° Imagery and 3D Models

Presenters:

Dr. Amanda Groff, Dr. Sarah Friedline and George Lopez

Abstract:

How do you teach a lab-based course online without a physical lab? In this presentation, faculty from the Department of Anthropology and Video@CDL share how they addressed that challenge by developing immersive virtual labs for ANT 2511—Human Species. Supported by the Digital Curriculum Innovation Initiative, our project, Bones, Stones, and Virtual Labs: Human Species in 3D and 360º, uses surface-scanned 3D models and 360º photography to transform passive online learning into an interactive, hands-on experience. Students explore anatomical structures and stone tools through virtual lab stations, 3D model manipulation, and guided video instruction.

Our presentation will highlight the pedagogical impact of these labs, particularly for non-science majors who often struggle with traditional static resources. Data from the Fall 2024 pilot show a dramatic drop in non-submission and DFW rates, underscoring the effectiveness of immersive learning. We will also share the development timeline, challenges faced, and lessons learned—giving attendees a realistic look at what it takes to build virtual labs. With around 2,000 students enrolled annually in ANT 2511 alone, this approach has significant implications for scaling immersive labs across online General Education and STEM courses in Biology, Chemistry, and beyond.

2:10 – 3:00 Integrating Extended Reality (XR) into Course Experiences

Presenters:

Dr. Rebecca McNulty, Dylan Yonts, Savannah Graves, and Dr. Rohan Jowallah

Abstract:

This session explores the role of Extended Reality (XR) in course design and development. Instructional Designers will discuss the pedagogical benefits and challenges of XR, helping faculty understand when and how to use it effectively. Division of Digital Learning staff will then showcase the available XR hardware, review software options, and discuss the feasibility of custom XR content development. The session will close with a brief summary and an extended Q&A, allowing faculty to ask questions and explore implementation strategies. Attendees will consider practical ways to incorporate XR into their teaching, along with institutional resources available to support faculty efforts.

3:00 – 4:00 XR Tech Showcase/Networking Hour

Join us for a Tech Showcase & Networking Hour, where innovation meets interaction! Explore cutting-edge Virtual Reality with Meta Quest headsets and dive into dynamic Augmented Reality experiences featuring Insta360 X4, Insta360 Pro 2, Oculus, Google Cardboard, and phone clip headsets. Experience hands-on demos designed to inspire creativity, spark curiosity, and showcase emerging tech trends. Connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, creators, and industry professionals in a vibrant environment designed to foster meaningful conversations, idea sharing, and collaboration. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore groundbreaking VR/AR technologies and expand your professional network!

Join the AVID Community Group (UCF MS Team) for instant updates on all things AVID.

Registration

Learn More About AR/VR

Tune in to the monthly YouTube video series, Extended Reality Talk, hosted by Dr. Rohan Jowallah, Jacob Bates, Kathleen Bastedo, Francisca Yonekura, and Luke Bennett. The series brings together individuals with a passion for XR (AR/VR/MR). See Episode 1 below or visit the playlist to view more episodes.

This short presentation provided by Dr. Rohan Jowallah, an instructional designer with UCF’s Center for Distributed Learning, gives an overview of the current entry-level virtual reality headsets for consideration when planning a virtual reality session. Also, important pedagogical considerations are discussed for the implementation of virtual reality.

ThingLink Augmented Reality AR App in Action! Check it out ahead of our upcoming Explore and Engage session on November 7th, 2024.

Previous AVID Events

Spring 2023 Agenda (Friday, April 07, 2023): Access Here

Fall 2023 Agenda (Tuesday, October 10, 2023): Access Here

Spring 2024 Agenda (Wednesday, April 24, 2024): Access Here

Fall 2024 Agenda (Thursday, November 7, 2024): Access Here

Stay Connected

VR Device — Virtual reality headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2, can provide a virtual or 3D experience and are common with gaming platforms. Depending on the make and model, it may include wired or wireless controllers. The Meta Quest 3 is coming this Fall.

AR Device — While augmented reality (AR) apps can easily be downloaded onto a phone, such as games like Pokemon Go or Google Maps AR mode, these types of apps can also be delivered through devices like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 (above) or the upcoming Apple Vision Pro. These “mixed reality” devices contribute to the virtual experience with both 2D and 3D augmentation.

The Faculty Multimedia Center (FMC) is a do-it-yourself media production facility located in Classroom Building 1 – Room 202 for the use of UCF faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants. The FMC provides various technologies and services to help you create media content for your class or office. The goal of our facility is to make your experience easy and fun, while also providing an opportunity to practice with technology you may find in the classroom, or explore new ones that can enhance your recordings and media content creations.