Virtual Reality in Higher Education

Virtual Reality in Higher Education: Instruction for the Digital Age brings to the foreground how Virtual Reality, using headsets in educational and training programs, is already beginning to be used in higher education. The book is the result of research to determine where and how virtual reality is being used in higher education, recruitment, and athletics. The book cites specific examples and methods used in teaching, training, and recruitment that would be of interest to faculty and administrators in community colleges and universities. The book is written to help faculty to understand the potential of VR for education, administrators to see possibilities for student recruitment, and athletic directors and sports program coaches to determine the advantage of new avenues for successful training. It is critical that faculty and administrators investigate the potential of VR for teaching, learning, recruitment, and athletics. This technology provides an immersive method that could create serious changes in how faculty teach, students learn, institutions recruit, and athletic programs train.

A well-researched and very thorough treatise on a technology that is changing the very nature of education. Not only should this book be required reading, but the implementation of this technology should be a required exercise. Virtual Reality is a technology opening doors for experiential learning for everyone, everywhere.--Mark A. Roth, vice president of technology and manufacturing, The Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology, Florence, South Carolina, I appreciate this book's focus on effective uses of Virtual Reality in a wide variety of disciplines such as biology, nursing, criminal justice, and humanities. Topics discussed have the ability to positively impact students' educational experiences, as well as knowledge and skill attainment. Virtual Reality in education allows for guided practice in a safe, controlled environment, which ultimately benefits the communities and the industries colleges serve.--Heather M. Woodson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Gaston College, Dallas, North Carolina, Virtual Reality in Higher Education: Instruction for the Digital Age provides a compelling argument for the inclusion of this technology into higher education. As college leaders investigate alternative approaches to learning, this book provides a strong argument for incorporating, purchasing, and supporting Virtual Reality in higher education. The book is a thorough orientation to the value of VR and convinces the reader that college administrators should see it as a viable investment in higher education.--Benita Yowe, Dean of Health and Human Services, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg, South Carolina, Well researched with useful information, this book provides stakeholders and practitioners an excellent introduction to the topic of Virtual Reality in higher education. Essential reading for those eager to implement technological change in their instruction.--Lonnie Griffin, Dean for General Studies and Learning Support, Savannah Technical College, Savannah, Georgia

Dr. Darrel W. Staat served as past president of two community colleges in Maine, one of which he was the founding president. He also served as president of a community college in Virginia and the president of the South Carolina Technical College System. He currently serves as professor and coordinator of the Higher Education Executive Leadership Program at Wingate University.