Future of virtual reality topic at today’s SACPA

Kris Hodgson will take SACPA back to the future today.

Hodgson, a Digital Journalism Instructor at Lethbridge College, is aware of past concerns to do with rock music, comic books, movies, video games and virtual reality systems of the ’90s.

During his presentation “Using Virtual Reality Technology: What are the Benefits and Risks?” during the regular weekly meeting at noon at Country Kitchen Catering, he’ll explain how modern virtual reality technology works and what benefits businesses and individuals stand to gain in this brave new world.

Hodgson is pursuing his master’s in Virtual Reality (360 degree) storytelling through the University of Alberta’s Masters of Arts in Communication and Technology program.

Virtual reality (VR) typically refers to computer technologies that use software to generate the realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment, and simulate a user’s physical presence in this environment.

Hodgson will contend that VR will arguably be the future of gaming, and that is a concern for some people. He believes there are incredible opportunities for businesses to adopt the technology in several industries including health care, advertising, journalism and more.

SACPA runs today from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Country Kitchen Catering.