Virtual reality in higher education
Interview with Leonardo Rodríguez from EAN University on how virtual reality is transforming higher education in Colombia.
In the digital age we live in, virtual reality in higher education has revolutionized the way universities teach and students learn. Ean University in Bogotá, Colombia, has been at the forefront of this revolution, thanks to its Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) department, led by Leonardo Rodríguez Urrego. In an exclusive interview with Leonardo, we explore the key role the Virtual Reality Lab (VRLab) at EAN University has played, as well as the most important projects they have undertaken. Additionally, we discuss the collaborative partnership established with Virtual4 for the acquisition of the VRLab and how this has enhanced the students’ learning experience and the research work of the group.
Join us as we delve into how virtual reality and immersive technologies are transforming higher education in Colombia.
Virtual4: What is the objective of the Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) department that you currently lead at EAN University?
Leonardo Rodríguez: R&D&I is a department responsible for all research conducted by professors and students at the university, including both basic and applied research. We also have a Development Unit with innovation labs such as the Virtual Reality lab, a Transfer Unit for applied research that can be delivered as a finished product or in advanced stages to companies or regions, and finally, the EAN University Publishing House where we produce books and publish five journals of the university itself.
V4: What are the most important projects currently being developed in the Research, Development, and Innovation (R&D&I) department at EAN University?
LR: At this moment, we have over 35 important projects spread across the twelve research groups we currently have. There are projects funded by external entities like P4G or the OAS, and internal projects funded by the university itself. Most of them are related to our higher purpose and its connection to the SDGs in the pursuit of abundance for humanity.
My main goal is to impact society with the research conducted by our professors and students.
V4: What has the Virtual Reality lab contributed to the students, the research group, and EAN University?
LR: Breaking paradigms, understanding Industry 4.0 and immersive technologies, and learning how such an important technological tool can be used to innovate in education.
V4: How has the collaboration alliance with Virtual4 for acquiring the Virtual Reality lab been?
LR: The university knows that business partnerships are the path to success, as they create bonds for shared benefits with a unique and exclusive model of EAN: the academic-business collaboration model. Likewise, the model with Virtual4 has allowed us to boost the development of immersive virtual reality in Colombia, with the capacity to export scenarios already created by the university itself.
The significant impact that virtual reality and immersive technologies are having on higher education is evident. Thanks to their leadership and vision, EAN University has become a leader in implementing these technologies to enhance the educational experience of its students and promote innovation in research. We look forward to seeing the progress and expansion of these exciting projects in the near future.
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