Nov 23, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

ECT 1210 - Understanding Virtual Reality Technology


Students examine the history, theory, science, and technology behind virtual, mixed, and augmented reality (these are collectively understood as cross reality, or XR). The burgeoning possibilities of VR, MR, and AR are introduced in a variety of contexts. Students evaluate the importance of human and machine interaction and work to understand how human perception and ethical decision making operate in conjunction with these new technologies. Emphasis is placed on the critical and ethical analysis of virtual reality technologies, especially as they relate to the societal effects of human-centered interaction. Students engage with scientific, industrial/creative, mathematical, ethical, philosophical, and technical aspects across the spectrum of XR.

Credit Hours: 4
OHIO BRICKS Bridge: Ethics and Reasoning
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2AS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to define pivotal moments in the history of virtual/augmented/mixed reality (XR).
  • Students will be able to explain the basic functionality of virtual/augmented/mixed reality systems and describe how various XR applications function.
  • Students will be able to recognize perceptual modalities in virtual/augmented/mixed reality and articulate how these modalities affect our discernments of time, space, and the immersive experience.
  • Students will be able to report on their personal experiences with virtual/augmented/mixed reality and construct informed opinions on the societal, health, legal, ethical, and educational implications of these technologies.
  • Students will be able to recognize their own ethical beliefs and how they shape their experiences and choices relative to emerging technologies like XR.
  • Students will be able to apply ethical theories to the functionality, use, and distribution of XR technologies.
  • Students will be able to conduct research on the scientific and commercial applications of virtual/augmented/mixed reality technologies and formulate hypotheses about the future of these technologies.
  • Students will be able to recognize, evaluate, and connect ethical issues related to human interactions with virtual/augmented/mixed reality and apply ethical theories, including those other than their own, to diverse use cases.


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