AR/VR

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

AR/VR involves the use of computer-generated modeling, simulation, and environment. AR/VR is an upcoming program that allows anybody to become immersed in an environment without actually being there and have a simulated reality where it can provide hands-on experience without the cost of doing the actual activity. To use this, there are a variety of headsets available on campus that you can explore more about if you are interested. There are also different programs where you can work on making something new to help fit what you are trying to do and solve solutions to a problem you were stuck on.

Mission

XR at ISU provides students and faculty with the opportunity to use AR/VR to build skills and introduce engaging software to cultivate a community supporting campus research. XR at ISU seeks to create an environment where shared interests in VR/AR technology, both in research and pedagogy, can be discussed, funding can be shared, and collaborations can be established.

Recent Projects

• Haptic Feedback
  • Assistant Professor of Technology, Dr. Isaac Chang, and his students are creating an experience through virtual reality while implementing haptic feedback to make hands-on virtual learning a reality. Jordan Osborne, one of his students, has already constructed a prototype of the glove. “We have the five fingers and the palm,” he says, “On each spot, we have these little black discs, which are vibrational motors, and those are going to be connected to a computer linked to the VR environment.” The team received a grant from the FIREbird Grant Program which provides funding up to $3,000 to support faculty-mentored, independent student research projects. If you would like to read more about this project: Read more
• Conducting
  • Composer Dr. Roy D. Magnuson is an Associate Professor of Music Composition. He is the creator of solsticeVR and is the director of our XR department. Roy teaches music theory, aural skills, composition in the School of Music, and virtual reality design in the Creative Technologies program. He created it along with Dr. Marinello and Dr.Fredstrom. Using RibbonsVR helps students perfect the physical dimensions of conducting. For example, the hand position and patterns; transitioning into timing, and then jumping into the application. While using the program, it will help students be able to conduct more efficiently and learn better techniques in a shorter amount of time. If you would like to read more about this project: Read more
• Speech-language pathology
  • Designing and examining VR environments for use in rehabilitation geared toward speech-language pathology is at the forefront of two separate departments researching together to solve potential problems in this area. Dr. Isaac Chang whose specialization is in VR and Dr. Jennine Harvey-Northrop, a speech-language pathologist began analyzing how VR could be implemented in treatments of therapy. Their goal would be described as “creating a space that would assist patients in their transition from the clinic to the real world, allowing patients to generalize their skills”. If you would like to read more about this project: Read more

What’s next: On Campus

• Establish Open Hours for Labs post-COVID
  • Looking for Full time or GA
  • Demonstrations for both 1-on-1’s or for classes/departments
  • Consulting for Project Definition & Equipment Purchasing
  • Future CTLT (Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology) workshops

FAQ

Q: How do you reserve the XR facilities?

A: If you are interested in reserving the XR facilities, click here and complete the form. If accepted, the location of the XR facilities will be located in the DIGGS center.

Q: Where is the DIGGS center located?

A: DIGGS is in Julian Hall, room 152A. For a map of Julian Hall, click here!

FY 2023 XR @ ISU Membership

Name	Role	Membership
Roy Magnuson (WKCFA), rdmagnu@ilstu.edu (309) 438-8524	Music/Creative Technologies	Faculty, Co-Chair
Isaac Chang (CAST), ychan13@ilstu.edu (309) 438-3661	Technology	Faculty, Co-Chair
Paul Unsbee, rpunsbe@ilstu.edu (309) 438-3898	Director of Library Information Technology Services for Milner Library	Staff
Rose Marshack, rmarsha@ilstu.edu (309) 438-7749	Creative Technologies	Faculty
Kathy Webster (CAST), kewebst@ilstu.edu (309) 438-8810	Health Services	Faculty
Kristin Carlson (WKCFA), kacarl1@ilstu.edu (309) 438-2474	Theatre & Dance	Faulty
Joanna Willet (MCN), jrwille@ilstu.edu (309) 438-3619	Director MCN Simulation Lab	Faculty
Chad Kahl (Milner), cmkahl@ilstu.edu (309) 438-3454	Data Services Librarian	Staff