Virtual Opportunity for Real World Learning

With the click of a stylus, Lincoln Land Community College students studying heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) can manipulate an entire heat and air conditioning system, turn it upside down by themselves, take it apart and put it back together. Electrical students can wire a generator and emergency medical services (EMS) students can triage patients at a mass casualty incident — all in the span of one class period. These are just a few examples of how virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing college education. 

At LLLC, it’s a new tool to help students visualize complex systems and concepts. HVACR students can see inside a thermostatic expansion valve as the holographic image floats in front of them. They can use the stylus pen to manipulate it midair. 

Students, like Benny Brown, are just learning to use the tech.  “It shows us the hot and cold air going through the A-coil of an AC or a heating unit. You can actually see the air flow to understand how a unit works.”  Brown says he’s not intimidated by the technology, but excited to use it.
 

Active Participation

VR learning allows students in LLCC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to work together in a mass casualty simulation. Before VR, instructors would divide a classroom into victims and rescuers. Time would be designated to apply makeup and pre-made wounds for a realistic effect as they act out scenario in which rescuers practice responding. Then, the entire class would switch places. 

“That scenario is time consuming, but works when there is a large class,” said Nick Ferreira, director, emergency services and health. “When you have a smaller class, it’s not practical. VR allows us to do the same training with fewer resources and time.”

And students can work collectively in the same simulation, as they would in a real-world event. “They all get to be rescuers in the same environment. You can see each other’s avatars and work together to triage victims, or you can work alone.”

LLCC EMS/EMT, paramedic and advanced EMT students will now use a gamified responder program through Augmented Training Systems and 12 Oculus headsets, when covering the chapters on mass casualty response.

The technology was purchased through an Illinois Community College Board Career and Technical Education grant designated for virtual reality learning. The first programs at LLCC to purchase VR technology and software to incorporate into lessons are; emergency services, diagnostic medical sonography, integrated media design and the Workforce Institute’s HVACR, industrial maintenance and automotive technology programs. LLCC staff will also demonstrate VR equipment during recruitment events.

Building confidence

Nancy Sweet, Ed.D., dean, LLCC Workforce Institute, calls VR a great first step to help students build confidence. “Some students who come to train have never worked with electricity or anything mechanical before. Virtual reality is that first step to upskill. They build confidence with the vocabulary and familiarity of equipment, so they feel ready to go on to that next phase of being hands on.”

Workforce Institute students in HVACR, automotive  technology and industrial maintenance use 3D VR technology through laptops, a special stylus and the zSpace platform.

When assigned, students will read a section in the digital textbook, which contains information, diagrams and drawings. Then, they will use the stylus to manipulate objects and solve problems to complete the assignment. The online platforms provide real time data on student comprehension and performance.  In the end, students will likely walk away with a better understanding having used virtual technology.

Personalized education

Dr. Sweet also says the use of VR technology helps customize education for each student. "They go through an assessment at the end. If they need to review, the program will send them back to the specific section to work with that piece of equipment again," she explains.

Hands-on is still king

You're not going to replace hands-on learning," adds Sweet. "VR provides a dynamic way to learn before training wtih actual equipment. In addition, there is a customer service aspect to the work that is never going to change."

VR technology is an additional tool to enhance learning, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity. Rather than just watching or reading about a process, studetns can actively engage, making learning more memorable and impactful."