Digital Twin
ODUGlobal's initiative to develop an ODU Metaversity, complete with digital twins of iconic campus buildings like Gornto Hall and Webb Center, is an innovative step toward enhancing the educational experience. By leveraging technology like Extended Reality (XR) headsets and web browsers, students and faculty gain access to immersive virtual reality spaces, fostering collaboration and engagement.
Virtual meeting spaces, a lecture hall, collaboration/lab areas and conference rooms catering to various academic needs replicate the versatility of physical campus environments. Additionally, providing an information center and the congregational regions within the Webb Center space mirrors the sense of community and resource accessibility found in traditional campus settings.
The integration of XR technology into online courses, particularly in the pilot phase within the digital twin of Gornto Hall, signifies a commitment to enhancing online learning experiences. By utilizing XR meetings and content, faculty can deliver more engaging instruction while students benefit from immersive educational materials.
Looking ahead, the potential for developing digital twins for instructional materials holds promise for expanding the scope of learning resources available within the Metaversity. From models of atoms to skeletal structures, these digital replicas offer interactive learning opportunities, further enriching the educational journey.
Phase 1 of the ODU Metaversity project is scheduled to launch in Fall 2024. This marks a significant milestone and promises an exciting new chapter in virtual education at ODUGlobal.