MUSCLE SHOALS-Northwest Shoals Community College experienced an incredible turnout for their Virtual Reality Lab Open House on Thursday. Students, faculty/staff, and visitors experienced hands-on VR simulations showing how technology is transforming the way we learn.
Hosted by the College’s Distance Education and Information Technology (IT) departments, the event offered faculty, staff, students, and community members the opportunity to tour the lab, explore its features, and learn about the academic opportunities the new technology provides.
The Virtual Reality Lab is designed to provide supplemental simulation opportunities across multiple disciplines. Equipped with Meta Quest S3 devices, the lab will feature apps tailored for many of the College’s programs, including Career Technical (automotive, welding, carpentry, drafting and design, and more), Health Studies and additional fields as they become available.
The open house included a demonstration of VRPatients, an all-in-one nursing and emergency medical simulation. Attendees saw how the program allows users to participate in realistic activities such as identifying allergic reactions, analyzing lung and heart sounds, conducting mental health assessments, and practicing wound simulations.
“We believe this lab will be such an asset to departments across campus, providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the fields they are pursuing,” said Dr. Christy Shepard, NWSCC Dean of Instructional Technology/Information Systems. “We look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, and the community by offering this experience and sparking greater interest in the technology available on our campus.”
During the open house, attendees met with members of the Distance Education and IT teams, view demonstrations, and discover how virtual reality can be integrated into classrooms to enhance instruction.
Trent Randolph/Northwest Shoals Community College/Photos Steve Wiggins
