CH 222: Organic Chemistry Labs in Virtual Reality

As an Exploratory Grant, this project explored the benefits of immersive technology to help address limited access to lab-based education to a diverse population of students, such as deployed military and pregnant students. The team worked to capture five different face-to-face organic chemistry experiences in virtual reality. The experience transports the user into the lab room as if they were there in person.

Instructional Challenges

Several factors can keep students from attending labs in person, like military service, pregnancy and disabilities.
Remote students traditionally do not receive the help or benefits of working with a TA.
Remote students needed a way to participate in student-focused, experienced-based learning without being there in person.

Highlights/Solutions

Create comprehensive lab experiences in virtual reality.
- Feature graphics, animations and videos to deliver information in a direct and engaging way.
Include trained TA’s in VR instruction to provide remote students with the support typically found in face-to-face labs.
- TA’s that are chosen will have experience teaching the lab in person.
- TA’s cover diverse populations, similar to the people you’d encounter every day on NC State’s campus and relatable to undergraduate students.
Capture a student’s point of view to emulate the face-to-face experience.
- A GoPro Fusion 360° camera rests above a student stand-in’s nose, and body movement is limited to preserve the quality of the final experience.
- Incorporate dynamic graphics and animations to demonstrate concepts.
- “Pop up” graphics appear for students based on their progress and interaction.
Deliver a perfect lab scenario, complete with the resources of a traditional lab, but free from distractions and lengthy set ups.

Instructional Challenges

Highlights/Solutions

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