Tricia Thrasher Studies the Use of Low-Stress Virtual Reality to Improve Students’ French Oral Proficiency
I-Stem Education Initiative Article
Exploring Neural Control of Balance Function
The Mobility and Fall Prevention Research Lab is seeking healthy older men 60-80 years of age to better understand how the brain controls balance function through the use of virtual reality and electrical brain recordings.
All experiments are completely non-invasive and have been approved by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institutional Review Board. Most experimental sessions will last between 2-3 hours.
Virtual Archeology Course Seeks to Gamify Learning
Funded by a two-year, $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, Virtual Archaeology could open the door to all kinds of field research and laboratory experiences. Dr. Laura Shackelford and colleagues are incorporating elements of computer gaming to enhance student motivation. U. of I. educational policy, organization and leadership professor David Huang will also evaluate student learning in the course.
“My interest is in developing a game-based learning environment that motivates learners,” he says. “To the extent that they feel engaged, then they will come back for more.”
Read more at the Illinois News Bureau
Virtual Reality to Improve Emotional Well-being in Hemodialysis Patients
Rosalba Hernandez is the recipient of a Research Support Award by the Campus Research Board for her project, “Virtual Reality to Improve Emotional Well-being in Hemodialysis Patients: Initial Safety Testing and Proof-of-Concept.”
Nature and VR Lab at UIUC
Professor Matt Browning from Recreation, Sport and Tourism is studying the health impacts of virtual nature experiences. Watch the video to hear more about the project from professor Browning.