The Class of 2023: Husson University, School of Technology and Innovation

Tony Gerow (left), iEX Center Multimedia/Extended Reality technologist; Brave Williams, director iEX Center and program manager for the Extended Reality degree.

(Image credit: Husson University School of Technology and Innovation)

AV/IT TEAM: Brave Williams (left), director iEX Center and program manager for the Extended Reality degree; Tony Gerow, iEX Center Multimedia/Extended Reality technologist

GOALS: A major goal of the project at Husson University, School of Technology and Innovation was to provide students with a comprehensive, portable kit of extended reality equipment that would allow them to perform all foundational immersive technology projects. In addition, the kit had to be easily mailed out to remote students.

CHALLENGES: The first challenge of building the kit included deciding which specific devices would be included. There are many options and finding the right equipment that was easy to use and complemented the curriculum was critical. Additionally, once equipment was decided, it was a challenge to find and design a case that would adequately house all individual equipment pieces, while adequately protecting them. The size of the case was critical, as some of the cases would be sent to remote students and intelligent decisions needed to be made so as to minimize shipping costs. Additional challenges included setting up the technical infrastructure to simulcast individual XR equipment, like an Oculus VR headset, to digital display boards in the classroom. This simulcast feature is critical for teaching, but it is also a critical infrastructure feature that allows students to present their projects to fellow students.

EQUIPMENT SNAPSHOT

XR 177 Extended Reality Kits (iPad, high-powered mini projector, Oculus Quest 2)

FINAL INSTALL/USER BENEFITS: Students benefit from the kits because learning how to use the equipment is their onramp to the Extended Reality degree and exploring the true core of immersive technologies. The kits are portable and can be signed out for the semester. This allows students to take the kits home to use for the entire duration of the course. Remote learners can engage because the kits are easily mailed out, and students then ship the kits back when the course is completed. Additionally, individuals outside of the Extended Reality program can sign out the kits to develop projects not specifically associated with XR 177.

Cindy Davis is the brand and content director of AV Technology (AVT). She was a critical member of the AVT editorial team when the title won the “Best Media Brand” laurel in the 2018 SIIA Jesse H. Neal Awards. Davis moderates several monthly AV/IT roundtables and enjoys facilitating and engaging in deeper conversations about the complex topics shaping the ever-evolving AV/IT industry. She explores the ethos of collaboration, hybrid workplaces, experiential spaces, and artificial intelligence to share with readers. Previously, she developed the TechDecisions brand of content sites for EH Publishing, named one of the “10 Great Business Media Websites” by B2B Media Business magazine. For more than 25 years, Davis has developed and delivered multiplatform content for AV/IT B2B and consumer electronics B2C publications, associations, and companies. A lifelong New Englander, Davis makes time for coastal hikes with her husband, Gary, and their Vizsla rescue, Dixie, sailing on one of Gloucester’s great schooners and sampling local IPAs. Connect with her on LinkedIn.