Digital Horizons
UCI's XR Showcase for
Next-Gen Campus Innovation
UCI’s XR Journey
UCI’s journey into exploring the application of immersive technologies in higher education is spearheaded by Tom Andriola, Vice Chancellor of Data, Information and Technology.
Our exploration of XR technology began in 2023, with the creation of the first VR lab in the school of Humanities, the first undergraduate course taught in VR in the School of Business, and the first cross campus pilot exploring the feasibility of leveraging VR for work.
Cross Campus Stakeholders include:
UCI’s fleet of VR headsets consists of:
XR in Instruction
Jung-Hsien Lin
“Virtual reality offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and lived experiences of diverse cultural communities. This course represents a culmination of these efforts, enabling students to engage in embodied, virtual exploration of global cultures in ways that traditional methods cannot achieve.”
UCI’s Teaching Innovation Excellence Award Recipient
Into the Metaverse
Professor Larry Wilk
UC Irvine
Paul Merage School of Business
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the metaverse, an expansive virtual universe bringing together augmented reality, virtual reality, and the internet…, students will have the hands-on opportunity to immerse themselves in virtual environments, understand user experiences, and evaluate business potential.
"The ability to adapt new technology and embrace innovation will be valuable in any career... I see great potential for VR to enhance the customer journey and help businesses gain market share. This course has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for VR adoption... as well as to analyze when the use of VR add value and when this value offset the cost and bring in more opportunities.”
Consumer Journeys, Innovation, and the Marketplace
Graduate Marketing Flex MBA Program
Dr. Tanya Bradford, Ph.D.
Dr. Hope Schau, Ph.D.
"Before this class, I primarily associated VR with gaming. However, this experience has given me the confidence to discuss its current applications and potential future uses across various industries. My team and I developed a solution for the medical field, leveraging VR to support prosthetic solutions and improve patients' quality of life. Additionally, it was inspiring to see my classmates’ final projects, which explored innovative applications in dating apps, concert tours, and gun safety training.”
Consumer Journeys, Innovation, and the Marketplace
Graduate Marketing Flex MBA Program
Dr. Tanya Bradford, Ph.D.
Dr. Hope Schau, Ph.D.
"The XR skills and knowledge gained from this course definitely make me more competitive in the job market... This expertise sets me apart, especially in industries focused on social commerce, live shopping, and immersive brand storytelling.”
Consumer Journeys, Innovation, and the Marketplace
Graduate Marketing Flex MBA Program
Dr. Tanya Bradford, Ph.D.
Dr. Hope Schau, Ph.D.
Feasibility of Integrating Virtual Reality into Hybrid Work Modalities�
XR in the Administrative Space
Feasibility of Integrating Virtual Reality into Hybrid Work Modalities
“In general, it's so much easier to pay attention to meetings and not get distracted. And that's the huge value of this for me. With meetings on Zoom, it's so easy to just do all your other stuff. And what's happening on the Zoom screen is just faces and voices. You don't feel like you're in a room with people. So, I feel I pay attention a lot better in meetings, and I'm much more engaged.”
“Utilizing virtual reality has transformed the way we collaborate by breaking down physical barriers and bringing UC Irvine and UCLA staff together in an immersive digital space. The technology has allowed us to bridge the geographical gap and foster more dynamic and personal interactions with our UCLA colleagues. As a result it’s helped us to accelerate knowledge and best practice sharing across our institutions."
- UCI, Financial Aid
“The VR environment offers a calm and focused setting that enhances the meeting experience." - UCLA Financial Aid
Admitted Student VR Yield Pilot
Admitted Student VR Yield Pilot
Digital Innovation Showcase
“At UCI, we're not just preparing students for the future; we're inviting them to shape it. Our Digital Innovations showcase demonstrates our commitment to providing a forward-thinking education that equips students with the skills and experiences needed in our increasingly digital world."
Tom Andriola
Vice Chancellor, Information Technology and Data
Chief Data Officer
Digital Innovation Showcase
Digital Innovation Showcase
VR Tour of Dorm Rooms
Digital Innovation Showcase
Virtual Lab Simulations
Digital Innovation Showcase
Enhanced AR Campus Tours
01
02
03
04
Current and Upcoming Projects
The Division of Career Pathways recently submitted a grant proposal to leverage immersive technologies for Work Integrated Learning. UCI’s School of Nursing is the designated pilot site.
HR is developing a training program for campus staff that leverages simulated immersive environments and Generative AI. The objective is to create supplemental resources in the VR space where learners can practice what they have learned in various scenarios.
Student Affairs is considering developing a VR simulation program to help staff respond and engage with students during campus protests.
Center for Educational Partnerships is developing a pilot to integrate AR and VR technologies into their summer program with high school students.
A Sample Budget for Getting Started
ITEM | COST | EXPENSE |
VR Headset | $299.99 | $9,599.68 (32) |
Upgrade headstraps | $49.99 | $1,599.68 (32) |
Carrying cases | $22.99 | $735.68 (32) |
Cleaning supplies | $16.99 | $543.68 (32) |
Charging and storage cabinet | $789.00 (32) | $789.00 |
Software/applications | Free-$49.99 | --- |
AA Batteries | $14.99 (24) | $29.98 (2x24) |
| TOTAL | $13,297.70 |
How We Manage Our Devices
Why do it this way?
Lessons learned and the path forward
Our Industry Partnerships
SimInsights is at the forefront of immersive learning. They provide a no-code, AI-powered platform called HyperSkill that allows our team to rapidly author and deploy interactive VR and AR training experiences. This partnership is instrumental in our ability to efficiently create and scale our XR projects in-house.
Dawdle Labs provides a unique platform that empowers users to transform their ideas into immersive AR and 3D 'scenes.' By removing the technical barriers, their no-code solution enables us to build and share interactive content across mobile devices and XR headsets.
Thank you
Tony Hwang, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Office of Enrollment Management
tony@uci.edu
Jun Xiang
Business Intelligence Analyst
Office of Enrollment Management
jxiang9@uci.edu
Nathan Tran
Merage Tech Specialist
Paul Merage School of Business IT
nathanst@uci.edu
Questions?
Want a demo?