Ryerson U Intros AR-Enhanced Science Labs

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 08/25/20
augmented reality lab

Ryerson University is working with an augmented reality company to develop a series of labs for science courses. The project is based on InfernoAR from NexTech AR Solutions.

The initial launch of RALE, the Ryerson Augmented Learning Experience, will focus on first-year chemistry, biology and physics students in the Faculty of Science. Some 5,000 students will get access to an AR-enhanced learning experience during the fall and winter terms.

The initial $250,000 agreement includes an annual license fee for the InfernoAR platform plus access to other software produced by NexTech and development of the AR labs. The initial build will cover 20 labs. Functionality will include interactive videos, Zoom sessions with lab technicians and fellow lab partners, as well as AR lab exercises that enable students to beam home the lab materials they need for their experiments.

augmented reality lab

"At Ryerson we took the bold step of re-imagining a virtual lab," said David Cramb, dean of the faculty of science, in a press release. "With inputs from staff, students and faculty we designed and developed a completely collaborative environment that ensures an immersive and fun learning experience for our students. The incorporation of augmented reality into the STEM learning environment will change pedagogy forever."

A video showing RALE version 1.0 has been uploaded to Vimeo.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • college student sitting at a laptop writing a college essay

    How Can Schools Manage AI in Admissions?

    Many questions remain around the role of artificial intelligence in admissions as schools navigate the balance between innovation and integrity.  

  • a hobbyist in casual clothes holds a hammer and a toolbox, building a DIY structure that symbolizes an AI model

    Ditch the DIY Approach to AI on Campus

    Institutions that do not adopt AI will quickly fall behind. The question is, how can colleges and universities do this systematically, securely, cost-effectively, and efficiently?

  • person signing a bill at a desk with a faint glow around the document. A tablet and laptop are subtly visible in the background, with soft colors and minimal digital elements

    California Governor Signs AI Content Safeguards into Law

    California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed off on a series of landmark artificial intelligence bills, signaling the state’s latest efforts to regulate the burgeoning technology, particularly in response to the misuse of sexually explicit deepfakes. The legislation is aimed at mitigating the risks posed by AI-generated content, as concerns grow over the technology's potential to manipulate images, videos, and voices in ways that could cause significant harm.

  • laptop screen showing Coursera course

    Coursera Introduces New Gen AI Skills Training and Credentials

    Learning platform Coursera is expanding its Generative AI Academy training portfolio with an offering for teams, as well as adding new generative AI courses, specializations, and certificates.