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Introduction
The XR Innovation Studio is a specialized department dedicated to the development and facilitation of virtual learning experiences using XR technologies. The studio is firmly dedicated to delivering highly effective solutions that significantly bolster education and further professional development objectives through an unwavering commitment to cutting-edge technologies.
Topics of Discussion
What is XR?
XR (Extended Reality) is an umbrella term that encompasses all immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). VR is a computer generated environment that allows users to interact with and experience a three-dimensional, immersive world. AR overlays digital information and virtual objects onto the real-world environment. MR is an extension of both VR and AR that merges digital content with the real world in a way that allows virtual and physical objects to interact with each other.
XR Innovation Studio
Welcome to the XR Innovation Studio at Mohawk College! We develop cutting-edge XR applications for training and education. The Studio is equipped with different VR headsets including Meta Quest, Meta Quest Pro, HTC Vive, and Pico Neo, along with AR technologies like Hololens, RealWare, and Magic Leap. Our creations are powered by Unity and Unreal Engine. The Studio employs co-op students to help build XR applications, thus providing them with real-world software development experience as well as working in a team-based environment. Health and safety is our priority, and we use Cleanbox sanitation technology for thorough cleaning devices in-between uses. We host tours, demos, and client meetings to explore the future of training and education through XR.
Why XR in training and education?
XR is the only technology that can create virtual presence - the ability to suspend your disbelief and truly feel like you are in the virtual world. One of the key advantages of XR in training and education is its ability to create realistic simulations that closely mimic real-world scenarios. This enables learners to engage in hands-on experiences without the constraints and potential risks associated with traditional methods. For example, in VR Power Engineering students can practice high-risk scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
In professional settings, XR facilitates efficient and cost-effective training programs. It allows employees to undergo realistic simulations, reducing the need for expensive physical equipment and minimizing the risk of workplace accidents. This enables organizations to train their workforce more efficiently and consistently, ultimately improving productivity and reducing training costs.
XR has the potential to revolutionize training and education by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. It empowers learners to acquire knowledge and develop skills in ways that were previously unimaginable, opening new avenues for growth, innovation, and lifelong learning. As XR technology continues to advance, its impact on training and education is set to be increasingly profound, shaping the future of learning in remarkable ways.
Curriculum Integration
The XR Innovation Studio is dedicated to advancing education through the integration of Extended Reality (XR) applications into the curriculum across various program areas at Mohawk College. This goal is achieved through the in-house development of its own XR applications tailored to specific learning objectives and disciplines. The studio has also formed exciting collaborations with UP360, a leading local VR company. Together, they have worked on multiple eCampus funded VLS projects, focusing on the creation of innovative XR applications for various program areas. By leveraging XR technology, students can engage in immersive and interactive experiences that enhance their understanding of complex concepts and develop practical skills.
XR applications that have been integrated into curriculum include:
Municipal Water Lab VR
Building Construction Sciences tasked the Studio to recreate an in-person Fluid Mechanics lab to VR.
Aerial Tower Specialist VR
Development of VR experience that takes the learner through the PPE steps before climbing the communication tower. The goal of this experience was to provide the learner with the sensation of being at great heights.
VR Escape Rooms for Nursing, LEEDS and Math
This eCampus funded project involved the creation of different VR Escape Rooms. In these immersive experiences, students put their acquired knowledge to test, tackling a series of educational puzzles in order to escape!
Applied Research and Industry Partnership
Is your organization interested in learning how you can adopt XR technologies into your business for your training or operation? Talk to us about partnering in applying for funding to help you do this. We'll inform you how to access funding that can help you explore new technology, reduce risk, and give students real-world experience.
For more information contact Andrea Johnson , General Manager, Centre for Emerging Research Initiatives.
Email: andrea.johnson [at] mohawkcollege.ca (andrea[dot]johnson[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
XR Projects
Developed in-house:
OVIN VR
The XR Innovation Studio partnered with subject matter expert Cavan Cook, Mohawk College instructor from the transportation to develop an immersive VR experience for OVIN's (Ontario Vehicle Information Network) Region Future Workforce Program (RFW) initiative. Their goal was to break the stigma around skilled trades and automotive careers and engage students of all ages in the industry. The result was an engaging VR experience, incorporating gamified elements, challenging participants with simulated tasks in a fun and engaging manner.
Aerial Tower VR Climbing Experience
The Aerial Tower (ATS) VR experience was created to support the upcoming micro credential program, Aerial Tower Communication Specialist. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in this field, industry partners approached the Mohawk College XR team with an ambitious task: to create a truly immersive and realistic VR experience that would simulate the adrenaline-inducing act of climbing up a communication tower.
The primary goal of this cutting-edge VR experience was to provide individuals with the authentic sensation of scaling great heights. By delivering a thrilling yet safe experience, the hope was to not only attract potential thrill seekers to this profession but also serve as a deterrent for those who may feel uncomfortable working at such elevated altitudes. With safety as a top priority, the ATS VR experience takes learners through comprehensive safety checks before embarking on the virtual ascent of the tower.
Municipal Water Lab VR
Building Construction Sciences (BCS) tasked the Studio with a significant undertaking: the implementation of immersive technology to bring the in-person fluid mechanics labs to virtual life. Demonstrating resolute determination and technical expertise, our XR team embarked on this endeavor, immersing themselves within the physical lab with state-of-the-art scanning tools. The process involved meticulous capture of multiple equipment components, which were then meticulously transformed into digital replicas through precise 3D modeling utilizing industry-standard software such as Maya and Blender.
Ohneganos
Ohneganos Ohnegahdę:gyo is an Indigenous water research initiative led by Dr. Dawn Martin Hill, professor and founder of the Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster University. A portion of this project involves the development of an immersive Virtual Reality Experience. In its first phase, the project ventures into immersive storytelling and time travel, conjuring a vivid depiction of the Haudenosaunee creation narrative. Users are then transported on a virtual odyssey down the Grand River, their journey marked by stops at a Longhouse and Knowledge Centre before travelling forward in time and witnessing the world around them change.
Looking ahead, the project's next phase will introduce gamified elements to enhance the VR experience, offering users an interactive and engaging platform to further explore and learn about the Grand River and its surroundings. Through Ohneganos Ohnegahdę:gyo's innovative blend of technology and cultural preservation, this project not only educates but also fosters a deeper understanding of the past, present, and future of water and its significance to the Haudenosaunee people.
eCampus Funded XR Projects
The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) made a historic investment in virtual learning through the Virtual Learning Strategy (VLS) in December 2020. Following an initial $50 million investment in January 2021, eCampusOntario, in support of the VLS, released a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for a Second Round of funding. An additional $8 million was made available, with $7 million accessible through the EOIs launched on November 4, 2021.
Power Engineering
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Power Engineering students in Ontario faced a challenge when in-person labs were halted. To address this, seven colleges collaborated and submitted an EOI for a power engineering virtual reality simulation. The goal was to offer an immersive learning experience without the need for physical attendance. Traditionally, Power Engineering labs required expensive equipment and constant maintenance, but the transition to VR labs eliminated this burden. Phase 1 of the project focused on creating a VR simulation of the Cold Start Boiler, led by Mohawk College in partnership with UP360, thanks to support from the eCampus VLS grant. In phase 2, high-risk scenarios were designed that were impractical to recreate in real life due to safety concerns. Through the VR platform, students could experience these situations safely. Additionally, phase 2 introduced a multiplayer component, allowing instructors to participate in the virtual simulation alongside students, creating an enhanced learning environment with real-time guidance and peer interaction.
Virtual Reality Escape for Nursing, Math and LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designs)
UP360 partnered with Mohawk College faculty to develop a series of 3 different Virtual Reality Escape rooms for Nursing, Math and LEEDS. These escape rooms offer a unique and engaging opportunity for students to apply knowledge learned in their given subject area.
Contact Us
Our email address is mohawkvr [at] mohawkcollege.ca (mohawkvr[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).
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