Intro to VR: Creating Environments in VR and Exploring VR Applications
This workshop was an introduction to VR (virtual reality and was held in the VR Studio hosted by Jo Liberman, a master’s student and Lab Technician at Temple University. Jo Liberman demonstrated and walked us through two different applications used to build VR – Unity, and Fusion. Unity, which we learned was one of the most used software to build VR, is an application where an individual can create and store virtual reality projects that contains various elements to edit your own virtual world and test it out. Additionally, we were introduced to fusion, another application where we can select shapes to create and modify our own objects to import to Unity.
During this workshop, we discussed the various ways VR can be resourceful other than using it for games such as teaching, research, therapy, and training. VR can be utilized to help students that may struggle to understand a topic to garner further insight by immersing themselves using VR. It can also help encourage engagement amongst individuals as well. VR may also be utilized for research and therapy by creating experiences and surroundings. Additionally, in terms of research, VR has been used in humans but with technology advancing, it is now useable in animals as well. Furthermore, VR is also utilized in therapy aiding communication by making it more optimal. With the use of VR, communication can now be on a more immersive level compared to messaging or video calls. Along with that, it is also used in behavioral therapy. Lastly, it’s also a helpful tool for training individuals engaged in dangerous occupations or healthcare professions. While it is difficult to simulate scenarios for training, VR makes this possible. It allows individuals to practice certain tasks they wouldn’t be able to in reality.
To wrap things up, we discussed the different impacts headsets may have on VR projects on Unity such as Meta and Sony and engaged in a Q&A to garner further understanding on how we can use the different elements on Unity. Furthermore, VR connects to MIS as both field focus on technology. With the use of VR, those involved in MIS can use it as a tool to enhance user interaction and decision-making. Additionally, learning about VR as a Management Information Systems major helps with my understanding on designing, implementing, and managing complex systems integrating various technologies.