AR and VR as immersive learning tools topic of Oct. 17 WSU Common Reading lecture

The Washington State University Common Reading Program hosts “Augmented and Virtual Reality as Immersive Learning Tools,” a lecture by Don McMahon at 4:30 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 17 in Todd 130. The event is free and open to the public.

AR and VR technologies are commonly associate with gaming, said McMahon, a WSU professor who researches practical uses for these emerging technologies. He will present ways that AR and VR are also used as immersive learning tools in education and how these technologies will shape the next 10 years of education.

McMahon’s research focuses on AR technology serving practical educational purposes. He is an assistant professor of special education and founder and co-director of WSU’s Assistive Technology Research and Development Lab.  

The WSU-wide common reading program is exploring the theme of “frontiers of technology, health, and society.” This year’s book, Ready Player One, highlights applications of technology in a variety of fields but also encourages exploration into ethical dilemmas and changing senses of identity that arise in an increasingly digital world.

The Common Reading Program began in Pullman in 2006-2007 to help students, their teachers, and the community better engage in academically centered critical thinking, communication, research and learning around a body of shared information presented in a single, specially selected book.

The Common Reading program is currently accepting book nominations for the 2018-19 academic year. For more information about the Common Reading program, nominating a book, this year’s book, and upcoming events visit https://commonreading.wsu.edu/.

Contact

Karen Weathermon, WSU Common Reading Program co-director, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-5488, kweathermon@wsu.edu

Emma Epperly, Communications and Marketing Associate, WSU Undergraduate Education, 509-335-9458, emmaepperly@wsu.edu