Watch this CBS News clip and experience the new Lasell University virtual reality lab in action.
Lasell University, located in Newton, Massachusetts, has launched a state-of-the-art Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Lab to expand experiential learning opportunities for students across multiple disciplines. Supported by a Workforce Development Capital Grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), the lab is designed to provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in STEM, business, healthcare, and criminal justice.
The new facility, designed by WorldViz, includes a Projection VR Lab, a PRISM Virtual Simulation Room, and an E-Learning Lab Multi-User VR Headset System (learn more about the synergy of Projection VR and Headset VR). These technologies create a scalable, interactive learning environment where students can explore complex concepts, practice real-world applications, and develop critical skills in a controlled, repeatable setting.
Lasell University President Eric Turner (3rd from left) at the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the grand opening of the new multi-disciplinary WorldViz VR facility. Watch a grand opening video clip here. (Image courtesy of Lasell University)
Lasell University sought to enhance its approach to hands-on learning by integrating emerging technologies that better align with industry demands. Many academic programs require experiential learning, but traditional methods can be costly, difficult to scale, or impractical.
Lasell required a technology-driven solution that would address these challenges and allow students to gain industry-relevant skills before entering the workforce.
Watch: WorldViz Lasell University VR Classroom Video Overview
Lasell University partnered with WorldViz to create a multi-platform VR learning environment that enhances education across various disciplines:
By implementing these solutions, Lasell University is ensuring that students gain practical experience using the same tools that are shaping their respective industries.
The Lasell University immersive virtual classroom with its wall-projected surround immersion and multi-user VR headset instructor and student workstations. (Images courtesy of Lasell University)
The Lasell AR/VR Lab spans nearly 1,100 square feet and features a suite of top-of-the-line AR/VR equipment and software tools. It consists of a large-scale 64 ft wide, 7.5 ft tall wrap-around PRISM immersive projection system that is touch interactive and 3D capable. This interactive 11.2K pixel display and the WorldViz PRISM software allows faculty and students to quickly and easily author their own interactive presentations for curriculum and events such as campus tours and special interest seminars.
Interactive PRISM presentation made by Lasell faculty for history of fashion lecture
The AR / VR Classroom also features 12 AR / VR headset stations for student and faculty use. All twelve headset stations are networked together using the WorldViz Vizard and SightLab VR Pro development software. This E-Learning lab system allows students and instructors to inhabit a shared virtual reality environment where they can interact with each other and educational 3D content in a social metaverse experience. Students are already using this immersive system to experience the inside of cells and human organs that go far beyond the limitations of textbooks and traditional 2D media. Each headset station is equipped with a top-of-the-line gaming PC and gaming peripherals so the lab can also function as an E-Sports arena with student e-athletes streaming their matches on the large scale display.
Students in a shared virtual classroom environment interact with human anatomy models. Their experience is output on the large-scale PRISM immersive projection system display for audience members to follow along.
The immersive PRISM projection system is seamlessly integrated with the VR classroom headset systems so that multiple perspectives of immersed users can be displayed for a larger audience to be engaged with the virtual experiences. This allows for lecturers to demonstrate concepts for students in virtual reality and have students follow along with or without the headsets. The large scale projection system can also connect to external display sources and show traditional lecture content such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, websites and more.
A lecturer in an AR / VR headset shows an audience a human anatomy model in VR. Their experience is shown on the large screen so students can follow along.
Lasell’s new AR/VR lab has positioned the university as a leader in technology-driven experiential learning. The facility provides students with direct exposure to real-world scenarios, improving retention, engagement, and skill development. Faculty members leverage VR to enhance coursework, allowing students to explore concepts in ways that were previously impossible.
“We thank the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for supporting our efforts to meet the existing and projected future demand for jobs in the life sciences,” said Lasell University President Eric Turner. “We believe this technology will spark interest in STEM careers among current and prospective students, including underrepresented minorities, and allow our School of Health Sciences to prepare students to be career-ready for jobs in fields such as biology, biochemistry, and forensic science.”
Lasell University students immerse themselves in interactive learning environments. (Image courtesy of Lasell University)
Lasell’s adoption of WorldViz VR solutions demonstrates the growing demand for immersive learning tools in higher education. Universities are increasingly turning to virtual and augmented reality to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and practical application.
“Lasell University’s integration of our full suite of virtual reality solutions reflects the growing demand for immersive, hands-on learning in higher education,” said Peter Schlueer, President at WorldViz. “By combining Projection VR, PRISM simulation, AI, and multi-user VR headset systems, Lasell is creating an advanced training environment that prepares students for real-world challenges in a way that traditional classrooms cannot.”
Lasell University’s current homepage showcasing its new interdisciplinary virtual reality lab. (Image courtesy of Lasell University)
Lasell University continues to expand its VR curriculum, integrating new simulation-based coursework and developing partnerships with industry leaders to ensure that students are equipped with job-ready skills. With the WorldViz VR lab, the university is setting a new standard for technology-driven experiential learning and providing students with a competitive edge in their fields.
