The University of Idaho Virtual Technology and Design Program started in 2001, when mediums such as virtual reality were only available to those who were doing specialized research.
But now, virtual technology is everywhere, especially on UI’s campus.
The program has changed since its founding, but faculty members John Anderson and Brian Cleveley have been around since the beginning.
“In 2001, virtual reality was well advanced, but it wasn’t commercialized or mainstream. It was mostly used for specialized research,” said Anderson, head of the VTD program and an associate professor. “Today, the program is using virtual reality and augmented reality in the classroom every day. Students use these types of technologies to solve real world problems.”
In 2019, the degree remains as unique as ever, not just at UI, but nationwide.
Saharah Chalupny | Argonaut
Students listen to Professor Brian Cleveley talk about different ways virtual technology can be used.
“This degree is kind of our own. It’s not like accounting or other common degrees throughout colleges. We are a little unique, and what makes us unique is virtual technologies and solving problems,” said Rayce Bird, a VTD studio instructor.
Technology changes each day, and with advancing science comes changes in curriculum.
This means students and faculty must be adaptable. However, Bird said those modifications also mean a closer working relationship between faculty and students.
“The technology is drastically different and, that’s our challenge. We are the leaders in this, and we have to be willing to change and our students have to be ready to take on all kinds of challenges, because the tools they learned yesterday are going to change tomorrow,” Bird said. “We almost have to have a better relationship with our students because there’s so many different things with this degree.”
Students who graduate from the program often use their degrees for visualization work in science fields, as well as film and gaming entertainment.
But virtual reality simulations can have many uses, such as employee trainings for a variety of jobs. Companies can prepare their workers for dangerous tasks they might come across.
“Walmart bought 17,000 virtual reality sets for workforce training,” said Cleveley, a senior VTD instructor. “I couldn’t believe it, I thought it was a misprint in the articles I read.”
In UI’s program, Anderson said they are focusing more on the design aspect of the degree.
“This program is unique, there’s not much like it. There is some focus on video games and some focus on just the technology aspect of it,” Anderson said. “But we strive more for the design degree. … We can create anything our minds can see.”
While the program has changed plenty in the 18 years it has been offered at UI, one thing has remained consistent — the faculty are always looking to the future to provide better opportunities for students, including online courses and certificates.
“We want to stay adaptable for (the) future; we want to hone in and refine types of jobs out there and pick up on jobs for our students before they exist,” Bird said.
Nicole Hindberg can be reached at [email protected]