Hokies Go Virtual!

PRIMARY INTERVIEW WITH THE INNOVATIVES TECHNOLOGIES COORDINATOR FOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT, JONATHAN BRADLEY. 

Mr. Bradley manages Virginia Tech's Virtual Environment Studios and works with VR and AR tools across campus. In our conversation, he emphasized the real-world challenges of using VR in classrooms. 

Key Quotes to Feature:  

• "Headsets are getting a lot cheaper... but it's still a bit cost prohibitive to ask every student to buy their own for class."

• Guiding a class in VR is very isolating...thoughtful implementation is the only way to enhance - not disrupt - the learning process." 

• "You also have to worry about them running into each other... a lot of physical logistics need to be considered." 

• "Companies that make VR headsets don't always have the best track record with privacy." 

(Bradley) 

By embracing multimodal learning paradigms and facilitating experiential learning, VR has the power to redefine the standards of higher education. However, this innovation does not come without significant challenges. Firsthand research with industry practitioners like Jonathan Bradley highlights the real-world logistical and financial hurdles institutions must overcome, from managing classroom spaces to protecting student data. Without careful, thoughtful implementation, VR risks becoming an isolating and inequitable tool, rather than the inclusive bridge it has the potential to be. 

 Bonus VT Project: VR, Nature & Mental Health 

Can virtual nature help us feel better? Virginia Tech researchers are finding out.

Virginia Tech is exploring how virtual reality can improve mental wellbeing through nature exposure—even when you’re indoors. This study, led by Jia Xu in the Landscape Architecture Program, invites students, staff, and community members to experience immersive green and blue spaces in VR.

✅ Participants visit the LAR Lab in Burruss Hall
✅ Try calming nature-based VR environments
✅ Track heart rate and answer a few questions
✅ Get a $20 Amazon gift card for participating!

The study is open to ages 18–70 and is a great example of how VR isn’t just for classrooms—it’s also being used to explore mental health, relaxation, and the emotional benefits of nature.

Want to learn more or participate?
Contact: Jia Xu | jiaxu@vt.edu