Virtual Reality helps WMU students reduce apprehension with communication – Western Herald

The possibilities are virtually limitless with technology. In recent years, virtual reality has become more popular in the technology community. VR is a computer-generated system that lets the viewer experience videos, clips and photographs in a different way. A headset is used to cover your eyes completely and separate the viewer from the space they are a part of to gain a new virtual space through headset, according to cnet.com

Technology assists us in many ways throughout our daily lives. From our smartphones to the cars we drive, we have come a long way with technological advancements. VR takes us another step further in those advancements, using the technology for purposes of entertainment all the way to tourism and exploration.

The School of Communication at Western Michigan University uses VR in a multitude of educational ways that is sure to enhance students learning experience.

Some of our students work with the Bronco School of Nursing to run nursing students through various simulations so they would be able to experience what it might be like working with a patient who has autism or to experience what it would feel like to perform various surgeries and medical procedures, Professor of Communication Dr. Chad Edwards said.

VR can be useful in practically any field of study. People are constantly coming up with new ways to effectively use this device in educational settings.

In our basic course here at Western, COM 1000, we have a lab section that is using virtual reality to help students reduce communication apprehension. They are practicing giving their speeches in VR, Edwards said.

You can get VR in several forms, some are more expensive than others. The most affordable way to experience VR is with your smartphone. There are several versions of headsets that can give you the VR experience as well, including Samsung VR and Oculus Rift.

VR gives people the ability to feel like they are anywhere in the world, right in the comfort of their couch.

One could experience a trip to Mars, or a trip to Egypt and see the pyramids, it can also be used in journalism to help bring people closer to the story. VR lets you try things that might be otherwise dangerous, expensive, or even impossible, Edwards said.

VR also offers an assortment of short films that people can view. The Communication and Social Robotics Lab at Western has a number of short films in VR. Guests from around the community sometimes come into the lab and try out the device. The lab uses two kinds of VR headsets: Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

The Communication and Social Robotics Lab have walk-in hours for students who want to try out this device. You can also email Edwards in the School of Communication to find out more about VR and how you can experience this incredible device.

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Virtual Reality helps WMU students reduce apprehension with communication - Western Herald