Augmented Reality

Ryerson U Intros AR-Enhanced Science Labs

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 08/25/20

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.

"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.