VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Both the VR/AR Association and the BCIT are dedicated to fostering growth, education and research in the virtual reality and augmented reality/mixed reality communities. As a member, BCIT will participate in the Association's Educational Partner Program by which BCIT's research groups will be connected with VR/AR/MR companies to accelerate research, development and learning. In addition, the Association will help enhance networking opportunities for BCIT students in the VR/AR/MR industry.
"We're very excited to have BCIT join the association, having one of BC's largest post-secondary institutions is going to be key to our growth and for us to continue supporting our goals to making Vancouver & BC as a hub for VR/AR/MR" says Dan Burgar, President of the VR/AR Association Vancouver Chapter.
BCIT has a number of VR headsets, including the Microsoft Hololens, that are loaned out with the support of their advanced Learning and Teaching Commons. Instructors, students, and staff all have the ability to borrow the technology to integrate into their own learning. James Rout, Associate Vice President Education Support and Innovation, says that "this kind of democratization has already lead to impressive projects spearheaded across many programs."
"It is integral that BCIT students have the opportunity to learn and train with VR and AR/MR technology, because they will almost certainly be encountering it in their future workplaces," saysRout. "By joining the VRARA, we're providing BCIT students with the resources they'll need to navigate a rapidly-changing technological landscape."
In the BCIT Automotive Technician program, instructor Vince Piva took advantage of a 3D scanner to scan a transmission. Using VR technology, students will be able to break down and rebuild a transmission – before ever touching a real car.
"What they're doing at BCIT is transforming the learning and education field, it's shifting the paradigm of the way students retain information and that's exciting," says Burgar
About the VR/AR Association
The VR/AR Association (The VRARA) is an international organization designed to foster collaboration between innovative companies and people in the virtual reality, augmented reality & mixed reality ecosystem that accelerates growth, fosters research and education, helps develop industry standards, connects member organizations and promotes the services of member companies.
About BCIT
BCIT is one of BC's largest post-secondary institutes, with five campuses, 300 programs, and more than 48,000 students each year. BCIT's credentials range from certificates and diplomas to bachelor's and master's degrees in areas such as Applied and Natural Sciences, Business and Media, Computing, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Trades and Apprenticeships. Our programs are developed in consultation with leading employers and industry associations, and our instructors have years of industry expertise. With a history of excellence in applied education and research, industry partnerships, and economic impact, BCIT is developing real-world solutions born from real-world challenges
Media Contact:
Dan Burgar, VR/AR Association, Vancouver Chapter President dan@thevrara.com
Kris Kolo, VR AR Association, Global Executive Director kris@thevrara.com
