Empowering future leaders with cutting-edge VR tech skills

Kevin Pirehpour, Enterprise Technology

July 20, 2023

By 2030, an estimated 23 million jobs worldwide are set to tap into the power of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), enhancing everything from flight simulators to product testing.

Leading this high-tech transformation, Dreamscape Learn at Arizona State University (ASU) is equipping students with the essential skills to steer the future of immersive work and learning.

“We’re fortunate to have the most brilliant students in the world and to be able to connect them with all the talent and expertise of visitors that come through the Dreamscape Learn experience,” said Allison Hall, senior director of ASU’s Learning Experience. “It’s a wonderful catalyst for starting learners on their career path — from learning how to introduce people to new technology to making connections with experts in a variety of fields.”

Recently, Enterprise Technology sat down with two lead pod operators at Dreamscape Learn, Dania Oghana and Armand Debray, to hear how their experiences working in the studio have prepared them for life after graduation.

Video by Alisha Mendez & Mike Sanchez

In response to these increasing opportunities in and out of the classroom, Dreamscape Learn is reimagining how classes are taught at ASU, starting with ASU Biology 100, 181 and 182 – with plans to expand to subjects like chemistry, physics and climate science.

The responsibilities of the pod operators range from setting up VR equipment to guiding visitors through immersive learning journeys and troubleshooting technical issues.

Learn more about how pod operators are shaping the future of immersive education.

Being a pod operator is far from an ordinary student job. It provides an invaluable learning experience, serving as a gateway to the fast-paced world of immersive technology. Pod operators gain key skills in their roles, including advanced problem-solving, adaptability to new technologies and effective communication.

“The biggest skill I gained at Dreamscape Learn was public speaking,” said Debray, who plans to pursue a career as a pilot in the Air Force after graduating from the W.P. Carey School of Business. “Whether you’re talking with students or some very important people who come through ASU — getting used to those interactions is an invaluable skill.”

Since launching in 2020, Dreamscape Learn has had thousands of students and visitors explore immersive learning environments to empower students and visitors to learn through exploration to create memorable, interactive experiences.

“Some of my most memorable experiences working at Dreamscape Learn have been seeing how people react in immersive environments,” said Oghana, who graduated from Ira. A Fulton Schools of Engineering in May 2023 and now works as a software developer at General Motors. “Whether it's our adventure experiences for VIP guests or the virtual biology lab — it's been very cool to see how these experiences affect people.”

Dreamscape Learn embodies ASU’s commitment to innovation. By leveraging VR technology, ASU isn’t merely preparing students for the future but actively immersing them in it. Through their work, pod operators are gaining unparalleled experience in a rapidly growing tech sector, equipping them with the skills and expertise they need to excel in the workforce of tomorrow.

Learn more about how ASU Dreamscape Learn redefines tech-enhanced learning and prepares students for work in the digital age.

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