570: How to Integrate A.I. in Higher Ed - with Steve Grubbs, CEO & Cofounder of VictoryXR

The metaverse and virtual reality are set to revolutionize higher education. In a recent episode of The EdUp Experience #podcast, I interviewed Steve Grubbs, CEO of VictoryXR, about how colleges can leverage these emerging technologies. The episode was co-hosted by Erika Liodice, Executive Director of AFIT Higher Ed (Alliance for Innovation & Transformation). Here is a summary of this AMAZING episode.

Defining the Metaverse

The metaverse refers to persistent 3D virtual worlds where groups can gather and interact synchronously, similar to the real world. While some envision the metaverse as an all-encompassing alternate reality, Grubbs believes it will be used alongside physical spaces for work, learning, and socialization.

Adoption in #Higher Education

VictoryXR has partnered with over 150 colleges to create “metaversities” - campus environments in VR where students attend virtual classes, meet with professors, collaborate on group projects, and socialize. The company builds custom 3D replicas of campus buildings and grounds.

Grubbs discussed a Meta Immersive Learning Initiative funded by Meta. VictoryXR equipped students at 10 institutions with VR headsets to access their metaversity courses and spaces from home. The program fostered community and connection for remote learners.

Effective Use Cases

Hands-on simulations shine in the metaverse, like virtual cadaver dissections or field trips to the Galapagos Islands. But professors have also pioneered novel applications, from PE classes to history time travel. The immersive format boosts engagement, information retention, recruitment, and overall learning outcomes.

Addressing Accessibility

Grubbs acknowledges hardware costs and rural broadband access as potential barriers. However, students can access metaverses on a basic computer, and rental programs are expanding access to headsets. He believes VR devices will become as ubiquitous as smartphones within 5-7 years.

The Future is Mixed Reality

Next-generation headsets will enable synchronized augmented reality, blending physical and virtual worlds. Imagine dissecting a digital cadaver with classmates on an actual lab table, or visualizing 3D organ models in the room. Mixed reality unlocks new on-campus learning modes.

Final Takeaways

As digital natives fill classrooms, institutions without cutting-edge offerings risk falling behind. Metaverses boost student success metrics while readying learners for the tech-infused future. Though we are in the early days, pioneering colleges are embracing the possibilities now.

*This summary was created from The EdUp Experience Episode 570, titled "How to Integrate A.I. in Higher Ed".