SHERIDAN, Colo., March 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eScience Labs is taking online astronomy learning out of this world with its new Virtual Reality Solar System experience.
Beginning on May 15, the company – which offers 19 science course subjects to higher education institutions to provide a traditional hands-on laboratory experience for immersive online and blended learning – will add two new virtual reality based lab exercises providing astronomy students with simulated access to the Earth’s seven neighboring planets, the moon and asteroid belt (with Ceres). Paired with any smart phone, the virtual reality goggles are a stellar addition to the 12 immersive exercises featured in eScience Labs’ astronomy kits.
“As we do with all of our projects, we set out to create a truly experiential science learning module,” said Dr. Caitlin Runne-Janczy, director of product development at eScience Labs. “We feel like we’ve done this by using virtual reality to take students to places they would otherwise be unable to visit outside of a space program.”
The VR Solar System is the result of a collaborative effort between eScience Labs’ product development and digital design teams. This Ph.D.-developed learning will be used in elective, non-major science courses or as a prerequisite for majors. The reaction from educators has been overwhelmingly positive. Instructors have provided favorable feedback that the VR goggles paired with a digital application facilitates a more interesting learning experience for students.
eScience Labs is constantly seeking ways to improve student engagement, learning retention, and science comprehension. The VR solar system is a prime example of how eScience Labs is leveraging innovative technology to enhance student learning.
eScience Labs – based in Sheridan, Colo., a Denver suburb – offers 19 science course subjects and collaborates with hundreds of higher education institutions to provide a traditional hands-on laboratory experience for immersive online and blended learning. Through a combination of leading-edge science lab kits, virtual learning tools, and customized digital curriculum, eScience Labs helps colleges and universities expand and strengthen science comprehension. To learn more, visit www.esciencelabs.com.
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