AR/VR in the Higher Ed Classroom
This faculty-led research cluster explores the transformative potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) as innovative educational tools in the undergraduate classroom. The cluster and its participants will explore how AR/VR is already being used in the SMU curriculum across disciplines to achieve learning outcomes, facilitate dynamic teaching, and foster collaborative and immersive learning experiences. The cluster also provides an opportunity to support the development and implementation of cross-disciplinary collaborations that incorporate AR/VR applications in research and in community-based learning projects. As such, the cluster aims to develop best practices and strategies that harness the power of AR/VR to engage students, promote a deeper understanding of complex concepts, uplift diversity and inclusion, and cultivate essential skills for academic and professional success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Spring 2026 Events
February 5, 2026, 12:30 pm: "Spanish for Future Medical Professionals." Join us for a lunch and a presentation on the requirements needed for programs to graduate future bilingual medical professionals. Following the presentation, there will be a VR simulation of a bilingual physical therapy session. Co-hosted by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute’s 2025-26 Research Clusters on AR/VR in the Higher Ed Classroom. Lunch provided to all registrants.
About the speakers: Kevin Richards is a Professor of Teaching and Outreach Coordinator in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures at The Ohio State University. He designs and teaches large-enrollment online General Education courses that examine how German culture, history, and identity intersect with technological innovation and participatory citizenship. In addition, he collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects that apply emerging technologies to cultural interpretation and language learning. Samanta Buffa is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Teaching Assistant in Italian in the Department of French and Italian at The Ohio State University. Her dissertation is a comparative study examining the use of virtual reality (VR) in the Italian classroom, informed by her expertise in Instructed Second Language Acquisition and World Language Pedagogy. Her research interests include the integration of VR and AI in language teaching and learning.
On-going Cluster Activities
The AR/VR cluster is running a pilot study on the impact of VR language learning apps on L2 learner motivation. The World Languages and Literatures Teaching and Technology Center has several VR headsets and subscriptions to 3 different language learning applications. If you would like to book a 30-minute session to test out these apps or learn how you might incorporate them into classroom activities, please let us know. We currently offer one-on-one consultations and group reservations (max 4 people per booking) at the following times: Monday-Wednesday-Friday 3-5 PM.
Fall 2025 Events
Thursday, September 11, 1-2:30 pm. Caruth 406. Lunch & Learn: “Faculty Workshop on VR for Language Learning.” Guest speaker Regina Kaplan-Rakowski, Ph.D. (Department of Learning Technologies at UNT) will offer a hands-on workshop with VR stations for language students and teachers. Lunch provided.
November 4, 2026, 5:15 pm. HTSC 120. “Enhancing Motivation and Learning Through Immersive VR: A Case Study in German Language Instruction.” As part of the Fall Research Symposium, undergraduate cluster member and Engaged Learning Starter (ELSA) grant recipient Taran Sortino will present his project on how VR language learning applications can supplement German language learning by providing students with immersive, culturally rich, and interactive experiences that go beyond what is typically possible in the classroom. There will be refreshments and a series of other student presentations. See the full schedule at smu.edu/fallsymposium.