Merging Realities returns to show real world VR applications

“For the past few years, Lethbridge College has trained students in virtual and augmented reality, yet many people aren’t fully aware of the value it can bring to their business,” says Kris Hodgson-Bright, Digital Communications and Media instructor, and Merging Realities organizer. “This conference will help more people gain a greater appreciation for the incredible opportunities it creates and the ways it can be used in tourism, healthcare, architecture and training for all sectors.”

Virtual and augmented reality offers opportunities for industry to create realistic and interactive scenarios that support their work. Attendees of Merging Realities will have four presentations focused on VR/AR supporting business:

• The team from Economic Development Lethbridge will outline how the college has helped bring its events to businesses and organizations through the AltSpace virtual platform;

• Alvin Fritz will share how VR/AR has helped modernize his architecture business;

• Those involved in the CareGiVR project, which helps train health care professionals to care for people with dementia, will give an update; and

• College researchers involved in a collaborative project with Lethbridge Police Service will discuss the partnership, which explores how VR can be used to help police recruits develop communication skills to deescalate difficult situations. “The demand for VR/AR solution development is dramatically increasing,” says Mike McCready, President’s Applied Research Chair in Virtual and Augmented Reality. “The Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) initiative at Lethbridge College is working with partners, alongside students and grads, to solve industry challenges with immersive technologies. With our expertise in curriculum design and applied research, we are uniquely positioned to support our partners as they dive into the next computing revolution.”

People interested in learning about becoming a student in the college’s VR/ AR or AAT programs can join in a half hour session at 9:30 a.m. to talk directly to faculty members about the programs and the careers in technology waiting for them after graduation. Following the industry partner presentations, attendees can see firsthand the work being done by the college’s VR/AR and AAT students by joining a presentation in AltSpace, either through their computer or through a VR headset.

Lethbridge College is a leader in the VR/AR field, having launched the Virtual and Augmented Reality certificate and Architectural Animation Technology diploma programs in 2019. These programs integrate design and practice to create innovative solutions using cuttingedge technology.

Merging Realities started as the world’s first full-day VR/AR conference held entirely in virtual reality and has evolved into an industry event for all students, businesses and VR/AR enthusiasts. The future student session beings at 9:30 a.m. on June 8. The event itself starts at 10 a.m., with the AltSpace student presentations at 11:15 a.m. Free registration is available at lethbridgecollege.ca/mergingrealities.