{"id":2649,"date":"2025-03-21T13:51:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T20:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/xrlab\/?p=2649"},"modified":"2025-05-21T14:06:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T21:06:13","slug":"bellevue-college-biology-students-innovate-with-xr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bellevuecollege.edu\/xrlab\/2025\/03\/21\/bellevue-college-biology-students-innovate-with-xr\/","title":{"rendered":"Bellevue College Biology Students Innovate with XR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This quarter, students from Professor Reza Forough\u2019s Biology 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology I<\/em> class at Bellevue College partnered with the XR Lab to transform their handmade models into virtual reality (VR) experiences. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF)<\/strong>, this innovative project demonstrates how immersive technology can enhance learning, creativity, and collaboration in the sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students began by building physical models of bones, muscles, and anatomical structures using recyclable and inexpensive materials. The goal was to deepen learning through tactile and visual engagement: by physically constructing anatomical models, students developed a stronger understanding of form, function, and spatial relationships within the human body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To preserve and share their work, students then learned how to digitally capture their models using Polycam<\/strong>, a 3D scanning tool. The XR Lab provided hands-on training, teaching students how to scan their creations and prepare them for integration into ShapesXR<\/strong>, a collaborative VR environment. By completing the scanning themselves, students gained a deeper appreciation for the full design process\u2014learning how model construction techniques affect digital capture quality and how 360\u00b0 scanning is essential for building immersive, detailed virtual objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The resulting models were assembled into a virtual gallery space\u2014sometimes referred to as a “Virtual Museum”\u2014where future students, faculty, and the broader community can explore student work in an interactive environment. This digital preservation is critical, as the original models, made from recyclable materials, are often fragile and temporary. Now, through VR, these creative educational artifacts can be archived, referenced, and appreciated long after the course ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project also highlights the broader educational benefits of immersive technology:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Tactile and visual learning:<\/strong> Building and interacting with physical and digital models strengthens memory and understanding.
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  • Collaboration and communication:<\/strong> Students work together to build, scan, and curate models, developing important teamwork skills.
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  • Extended access:<\/strong> Through VR galleries, a wide audience\u2014including non-science majors and the public\u2014can engage with scientific concepts in a more accessible, engaging format.
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