E18: How Immersive Technology is Creating More Flexible and Accessible Learning Experiences

Tune in, hit play, and get inspired as Cherie Bowker, Lethbridge College’s Chair of the School of Spatial Design Technologies expands on how Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality programs are sparking opportunities for every type of learner. In this upbeat conversation, Cherie traces the growth of this innovative field and even drops a few fascinating hints about “The Metaverse”.

During the podcast, Donna mentions her own VR experience with the program: Traveling While Black. She also says she's a big fan of HGTV (aren't we all?)!

During the recording, Cherie touches on the following:

• Merging Realities, a virtual event where the college’s “virtual” centre core is featured
• surRENDER, an Interior Design Technology showcase (which she likens to Steven Spielberg’s film, Ready Player One)
• Virtual and Augmented Reality Certificate, Architectural Animation Technology program, Virtual Extended Reality program, and the Interior Design Technology program
• AutoCAD, a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application
• A big thank you to Ashcroft Homes, Diamond Schmitt, Charmed Playhouses and Charmed Resorts
• During Canada’s 150th birthday celebration, their Interior Design Technology program was listed in Canada’s top 150 schools
• Their school has been featured three years in a row in Macleans Magazine
• Cherie is passionate about sustainability, NetZero, Geothermal, Solar, etc., and she and her husband have a business called Smart Home (along with an offshoot called VArchitect) that they created in an effort to make homes more sustainable
• Cherie recommends joining in on one of her classes if you are curious about immersive technology! Reach out to her at cherie.bowker@lethbridgecollege.ca