The Office of Information Technology and the Biggio Center announced a new funding opportunity and workshop, AUX: Immersive Learning Experiences. Tapping into ideas from pandemic-driven remote-instruction, faculty were encouraged to identify opportunities for greater engagement and enhanced learning outcomes from virtual immersive learning experiences. The team invited proposals from faculty for implementing innovative technology, including augmented and virtual reality, to transform teaching and learning experiences for Auburn students.
Associate Clinical Professor Dr. Tiffani Chidume and team members, Karol Renfroe, assistant clinical professor, and Leora Wright, simulations operations specialist, received the inaugural Biggio Center grant for Immersive Learning Experiences.
Chidume is creating realistic student experiences in simulation and skills at the college. According to her, Virtual Reality (VR) can deliver active clinical realism to the classroom, or any setting utilized, and provide enhanced active experiences for all learners.
"It adds a layer to the content taught in the AUCON curriculum, helping bridge the gap between the current allotted lab time and clinical experiences," said Chidume. "The benefits extend beyond skill mastery, improved communication, and increased interdisciplinary teamwork, as these interactions occur in a safe and replicable environment. Our goal is to create a greater impact and enhance student learning, hopefully leading to reduced clinical errors and improving patient safety for both acute care and community health needs. The inaugural project will be implemented in the mental health course this fall focusing on therapeutic communication with a virtual mental health patient."
The Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning was established in 2003 through funding from the estate of Alvin A. and Mila Biggio. The center’s founding director was Dr. James Groccia.
