Extended Reality (ie. Virtual/Mixed/Augmented Reality)

Extended reality is an all-encompassing term that is used to cover either a virtual or augmented/ mixed reality experience. Both terms are used to describe technologies that users use to either immerse themselves into another environment (virtual reality, or VR), or have overlays of digital objects in the physical world (augmented or mixed reality). The most common augmented reality (AR) experience is Pokémon Go, where viewers can see digital characters overlaid in the real world. Both experiences require some form of viewing apparatus, either with a headset or glasses, though some AR applications work on cell phones as well, using the built-in camera and video screen built into most phones.

Reed College has been exploring the use of extended reality for several years, with faculty and students delving into a variety of XR apps relevant to their academic pursuits. Instructional Technology Services (ITS) has several VR headsets for students, staff, or faculty to explore this new technology.

ITS can hold workshops for classes that are interested in exploring this new medium as well. Contact ITS if you would like to explore extended reality apps and experiences. Here are a few examples:

  • English students have created their own digital VR personas
  • Students have viewed a Shakespeare play in a 360 immersive video environment.
  • Chemistry students have explored a molecular viewing virtual reality app
  • Anthropology students have visited a virtual art museum to critique the artifact presentations.
  • Physics and Psychology thesis students have also used VR for their projects as well.

There are an ever-growing number of VR and AR experiences that can be used for academic purposes. Here is a curated list of VR and AR apps and experiences that may be of interest; some of these are mentioned below.

Just starting out? These apps and experiences offer memorable virtual and augmented experiences.

Language apps and experiences

  • Language Lab is an app that offers language learning in a virtual environment.

  • Mondly is an app that offers language learning in a virtual environment that offers chatbot and speech recognition.

Arts and Music

  • Maestro is a virtual conductor application that has a free demo available; it uses the VR headset’s handtracking to further enhance the experience of conducting an orchestra.

  • VRtuos is an augmented reality experience similar to Beat Saber where you have a notes fall directly onto your piano’s keyboard. You can also connect a midi piano.

Sciences

  • Inspirit features 3d models and VR experiences for Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Physics classes.

  • Nanome allows you to explore molecules in either an augmented or virtual reality environment. You can view molecular models, expand them to room size, rotate them, and more, and have multiple viewers explore molecular structures at the same time. Great for chemistry and biology.

Notable VR experiences

  • Anne Frank is a VR experience where you can explore the house of Anne Frank virtually.

  • Hamilton in VR allows you to watch the musical performance of “Wait For It” in an immersive 360 video experience.

  • JFK Memento is an immerisve 360 video detailing the JFK assasination.

  • Journey to the edge of space takes you to the 90,000 feet into the stratosphere.

  • Mission:ISS is an immersive exploration of the International Space Station. Read a review at space.com.

  • Nanome allows you to explore molecules in either an augmented or virtual reality environment. You can view molecular models, expand them to room size, rotate them, and more, and have multiple viewers explore molecular structures at the same time. Great for chemistry and biology.

  • Space Explorers: The ISS Experience is another immersive experience by the Felix and Paul Studios.

Immersive Videos

Sociology/Social Commentary/Empathy

Museums and Exhibitions

VR communities and social rooms

  • Frame gives you the ability to create your own VR space and hold meetings

VR Creation apps

  • Artsteps gives the ability to create VR experiences.

  • Frame gives you the ability to create your own VR space and hold meetings

  • Spatial offers the ability to create and hold meetings.

  • Tilt Brush is a great app where you can created virtual 3d artwork.

  • Unity is a game creation app that can create VR and AR experiences for headsets as well as websites.

360 video apps & content

Useful VR apps and websites

  • Sidequest is a useful site to explore apps that are not in the official Quest store. Often these are more indie apps and experiences, and are definitely worth exploring, as often these apps are added to the Oculus store.