Virtual Reality – The New Tool for SMART Education

iVAR Lab at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur has joined hands with a Gurugram-based ed-tech startup iXRLabs to explore the use of VR as a pedagogical tool in higher education. Under this collaboration, iVAR lab will share students’ experience of virtual reality modules across branches such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical developed by iXRLabs.

The collaboration will enhance students’ learning experiences through immersive VR modules. The modules will cover a wide range of industrial settings which include machinery, plant tours, and experiments such as a jet engine, thermal power plant and universal testing machine. This will promote research and innovation in the field of virtual reality for educational purposes. Through this partnership, the two organisations are hoping to enhance students’ learning experience significantly.

Expressing his thoughts on the collaboration, Prof. Kaushal Kumar Bhagat, iVAR Lab, IIT Kharagpur stated, “The collaboration will facilitate and foster the research and innovation on the applications of virtual reality in education and training, which will pave the way for a new era of immersive learning experiences that can transform the way students acquire knowledge and skills.”

This will ensure the best use of iXRLabs’ VR modules by students so that real-time feedback and data can be gathered from the user experience. Further, the iVAR lab will provide inputs in the writing and development of a research paper/white paper based on the pilot project.

The collaboration between IIT Kharagpur and iXRLabs took place to promote and encourage research and innovation in the field of virtual reality for educational purposes. This development is a significant advancement of virtual reality technology in education and is expected to enhance students’ learning experiences significantly.

Commenting on the partnership, Nihar Madkaiker, Co-founder, iXRLabs said, “I am thrilled to announce our academic and research collaboration with iVAR Lab, IIT Kharagpur. Together, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and unlocking the full potential of this exciting technology. By combining our expertise and resources, we are poised to create a profound impact in higher education.”

The research focuses on interactive technologies like Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality/Mixed Reality in education and industrial training. iVAR lab aims to develop low-cost, portable, scalable, and user-friendly technology that can make teaching-learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective. Technology can be a medium between school/university learning experiences and real-life experiences and can create authentic learning experiences by integrating technology into the classroom. It is also important to how teachers can use these contemporary technologies in their teaching. This is important to empower the teachers and instructors by giving regular and professional development training.

To see experience of students with VR, aspirants can check the official website — ivarlab.iitkgp.ac.in.

Media Coverage :

Indian Express

CNBC TV 18

Careers 360

CXO Today

Express Computer

 


By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
Email: poulami.mondal@iitkgp.ac.in, media@iitkgp.ac.in, Ph. No.: +91-3222-282007

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