SUU Faculty Revolutionize Learning with Virtual Reality
Published: March 21, 2025 | Author: Jacob Carr | Read Time: 2 minutes
Cedar City, UT – Southern Utah University faculty are pioneering innovative uses of virtual reality (VR) in the classroom, transforming traditional learning experiences across diverse disciplines. From virtual geology field trips to molecular modeling and anatomical dissections, SUU instructors are leveraging VR technology to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
"I've become acutely aware of how students are changing," said Matt Prater, assistant professor of chemistry. "Generation Z is the first generation to have grown up with a saturation of electronic devices and the internet at their fingertips. To say that they will learn exactly the same as previous generations seems naive."
Prater has integrated VR into multiple courses, including laboratory and organic chemistry. His approach involves students building and examining molecules in VR, fostering a deeper understanding of complex chemical structures.
"The students have overwhelmingly given positive reviews about using VR and said that it helped their understanding of the material,” said Prater. “I still get students reminiscing about using it months later."
In the biology department, assistant professor Sarah Brock has been an early adopter of VR, particularly in her human anatomy classes. Students in her classes utilize VR programs like 3D Organon and Human Anatomy VR to explore body systems, supplementing traditional learning methods.
"Anatomical software for virtual reality has fundamentally transformed our ability to accommodate diverse learning styles and improve content accessibility," said Brock. "The impact has been both substantial and measurable. Our research has revealed fascinating insights into how anatomy students prioritize their study time in this content-heavy course."
Brock also emphasized the importance of VR in the context of the current healthcare workforce shortage. "This educational innovation comes at a critical moment for healthcare education in America," she said. "VR offers an innovative, cost-effective alternative that enhances visualization capabilities while reducing reliance on expensive physical resources."
Prater and Brock are only two of the various faculty throughout SUU that have begun to implement VR into their classroom. As SUU continues to develop new ways to enhance education, more and more faculty, particularly in the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences, have begun to incorporate this cutting-edge technology. SUU's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology like VR underscores its dedication to providing students with innovative and engaging learning experiences.
VR/AR initiatives at SUU offer transformative opportunities for students, faculty, and staff through experiential learning through emerging technologies. Faculty benefit from a dedicated cohort that fosters collaboration and innovative teaching methods, integrating immersive technology into the curriculum. Campus-wide initiatives also actively involve the SUU community in exploring the potential of VR/AR technologies, enriching the overall academic experience.
Tags: Student College of Natural Sciences FacStaff Biology Physics Academic Chemistry
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu