About

Exploring Immersive Technology's impact on research and educational goals at Penn State

Recent trends illustrate many aspects of immersive technology are disrupting and changing society, at the same time researchers are discovering its potential to positively impact and fundamentally change their work in education and research. At Penn State, the Center for Immersive Experiences promotes a comprehensive approach by bringing together researchers, instructors, and students to create a deeper understanding of how this technology influences life as we know it. Immersive technology continues to grow as an expected part of life for current and future Penn Staters. The Center for Immersive Experiences expands opportunities for faculty, students, and researchers to step into leadership roles surrounding how this technology is used.

A Collaborative Support Center

The Center for Immersive Experiences draws on expertise from around the University to fulfill its mission. CIE is part of Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences and it is supported by Teaching and Learning with Technology and the University Libraries.

Our Mission

The Center for Immersive Experiences (CIE) supports the Penn State community, regardless of discipline, in its strategic goal of transforming education and driving digital innovation through the use of augmented, mixed, and virtual reality (xR).

There is great promise for immersive technology (xR) to revamp the way instructors deliver course materials and how those materials educate students. Virtual and digital content are capable of providing engaging and innovative teaching and learning experiences at each stage from ideation to design to consumption. But innovation and transformation don’t happen on their own, that’s where the Center for Immersive Experiences (CIE) comes in.

Because the scope and potential reach of xR is not limited to any one discipline, CIE’s work is rooted in empirical research and a pedagogical approach to its implementation. Penn Staters from the College of Arts and Architecture to the College of Health and Human Development and everywhere in between can come to the CIE and explore how to incorporate immersive technology into their coursework.

Leadership at the CIE has received research grants from the likes of the National Science Foundation, developed a Gen Ed course on immersive experiences, and utilized University resources like the IMEX Lab and Dreamery to deliver xR to full classes on the University Park campus. The group’s expertise will allow it to provide access and support to a University-wide community that wants to utilize the CIE.