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Submitted by Dr. Aba Mortley, Professor, Esthetics
Innovation is a core value at SLC, and this semester, we pushed the boundaries of traditional classrooms to create an immersive experience for our esthetic students in their ESTH 11- Anatomy and Physiology class.
Drawing inspiration from Grant Bradley, Professor of the Fitness & Health Promotion Program, and with the support of Steve Janssens and his team at the Innovation Hub, we designed an unforgettable class. Our setup included VR stations and collaborative round tables, seamlessly integrating technology into our teaching approach.
By seamlessly integrating technology into our teaching, we not only tapped into the tech-savvy inclinations of our students but also engaged the students to be more inquisitive and explorative. One student, in their blackboard reflection on the class stated: “I really enjoyed working in a big group today it helped me retain information before taking my test. It was also interesting working with the VR and being more hands on instead of just sitting in class going over notes. Best class so far!” Through interactive group exercises, stimulating discussions, and an exhilarating round of Kahoot, we transformed an ordinary class into a vibrant hub of education, entertainment, and innovation.
We are thrilled to share our experience and inspire others to utilize similar spaces. Our students are already brainstorming ideas, such as experimenting with AI-driven esthetic procedures. We invite design collaborators to join us on this journey. Picture your students designing the lab while ours work on exciting projects within it. Together, we can cultivate a culture of creativity and curiosity, shaping the next generation of pioneers and visionaries through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Contact me at Aba.Mortley@sl.on.ca to learn more and Steve at sjanssens@sl.on.ca in the Innovation Hub to discuss how you can bring innovation and VR technology to your class.