Welcome to the new reality
Virtual reality classes teach students how to use developing technology
GETTIN’ TECHY WITH IT — Liberty’s VR classes use technology that is being further developed every day.
Photo Credit: Michela Diddle
Liberty launched a new class in the digital media and communication arts department focusing on virtual reality (VR) this year.
The 300-level class focuses on learning the industry and techniques needed in VR and augmented reality technology being implemented in today’s world.
The class is taught by guest lecturer Kam Diba.
According to the professor of record for the class, John Rost, Diba is teaching VR as an expert and a leader in the “VR space.”
Rost said that VR technology is a useful and innovative technology to learn about and to be able to use.
There are currently about 43 million users of VR worldwide, according to Boss Magazine.
“VR has the potential for widespread adoption in nearly every industry,” Rost said.
Most large news networks are starting to hire VR teams to shoot important events and videos for their viewers for a more interactive experience.
So far, there has been an overwhelming response from students.
According to Rost, the class filled quickly, with more on the class’ waiting list.
The class at Liberty has impacted students by teaching them how to use the new technology in the real world.
What makes VR so different is how quickly it is growing and spreading around the world.
“The tools and approaches have changed, which provides me, as a professor, with new challenges along with the students,” Rost said.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD — There are multiple types of VR headsets that allow users to see, hear and interact with a virtual world by moving their heads.
Photo Credit: Michela Diddle
While there are greater challenges to understanding new technology, there are also new advantages and opportunities for students who learn VR at Liberty after they graduate.
“Our pilot course seems to strike a balance between relating the skills and approaches to traditional media storytelling and the newer perspective of VR,” Rost said.
“This is a perfect course to help our digital media program develop toward more of a research path as a part of the university’s greater goals of increasing research opportunities.”
Since giving students hands-on experience with the technology they will use in the workplace has always been the goal of the digital media department, faculty felt a VR course was necessary, as this medium is rapidly becoming popular.
According to Rost, every class has the goal to challenge and teach their students in a hands-on and interactive way.
The uniqueness of the class and information being taught is just another example of Liberty’s push to be a frontrunner in equipping its students to handle new technologies.
“I’m proud to be a part of this and other world-changing experiences offered here at Liberty,” Rost said.
“I am very thankful to the leadership of the university for their strong support in experimental … technology.”