The Vision Behind Reality COLLAB:
At the Reality COLLAB, we envision a future where learners are not just participants but architects of their own education, empowered to explore, innovate, and create new pathways across industries using immersive and emerging technologies. Driven by innovation and elevated by AI and immersive tools, we cultivate a dynamic community ecosystem that fosters imagination, creativity, and ethical, sustainable innovation. Our goal is to become a premier hub for immersive technologies nationally, equipping faculty, students, and the community to shape the future through transformative learning experiences.
We are a diverse team of part-time staff, paid- interns, work-study, and volunteers
The COLLAB as an incubator: Our interns are the heart of our lab, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Some of our interns become integral staff members throughout their HCC careers, while others continue to intern externally or transition into the workforce. Our student interns hail from programs such as AI, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and our HCC's XR Program in Digital Communications, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic environment that drives our lab's success.
A Community of Innovators: COLLAB + West Houston Institute
Teaching & Learning with XR:
The Life Cycle of a Digital Twin Project:
Project Outcomes:
- Learning experience and portfolio project for students
- Collaboration opportunity with industry (SKANSKA)
- Campus tour for HCC
- Live project for classes: HVAC Duct Design class. Urban planning
Innovating in XR - Success Stories:
- EnchanTech, promotes XR student engagement and collaboration. Sustainability
- Over 22 Courses with XR implementation. IDesign Bath and Kitchen Design. Fashion Merchandising, Fashion History, ESOL Language Learning, NEO Cafe for Pastry Arts
- Student Portfolios: Reveal 2023 and 24
- Online ART: Studio Student Exhibition
- Biology: Cell Structure Module (WHI Fellowship)
- Digital Twins- Interior Design Twin (WHI Fellowship)
- Media Arts: Think 3D, Design 3D, Print 3D
Collaborations-Partnerships-Community:
- Skanska Central Digital Twin,
- HP
- Meta (Grant Recipient)
- Logitech ((Grant Recipient)
- Unity (Grant Recipient)
- Houston Independent School District (HISD)
- Texas Workforce Commission (VAST Academy- Students with Disabilities)
- Area UH Universities and Instituto Federal do Acre, Brazil
- Region 4 Education Service Center
- Center for the Healing of Racism- VR4Empathy
- VRAR Association-Houston Chapter
- Kaltura (360 Storytelling)
The Intersection between AI and XR:
- Excited about the possibilities of Meta AI Avatars-Llama-Both TA and Student Orientations
- Midjourney & Skybox Labs: Metaverse Design Classes for Interior Designers
- Google's NotebookNL
Simulations and Visualizations:
An INCLUSIVE lab for all:
A Seat at the Immersive Table!
Student Success Stories:
- Brian Galbraith- Geospatial job after completing Digital Twin and internship with Skanska
- Asif Zaidi- Hired by an XR Company
- Polina Kerbs- Graphic And Metaverse Design with Local Houston Design Firm)
- Danel Zharmenova and Osiel Mireles- Advanced Visualization-Interior Design Firms
XR for All - Outreach and Inclusion
Educational Initiatives:
- The Reality COLLAB integrates with HCC's curriculum and supports many departments across the HCC District.
- STEAM Week-Long Summer Camps for Students with Learning Disabilities. In collaboration with VAST Academy and Texas Workforce Commission.
- VR Symposiums
Community Engagement:
- Events and outreach programs that bring immersive technologies to the broader community. Texas Workforce Commission and STEM XR Camps for Students with different abilities.
- Specific community projects or collaborations that have had a significant impact. Since 2018- VR For Empathy in collaboration with the Center for the Healing of Racism. Jack & Jill of America, Area AEC Firms. HISD- K12 week-long Summer XR camps.
- HP Metaverse Camp
What we are working on?
- Helped develop standardized HCC policies and procedures for User/Device/App Management, Headsets Configurations, and Device Experiences.
- ChatBots, AI Avatars, and Digital Humans and their role in the Metaverse
- Partnerships: continue to explore collaborations and internship opportunities, emphasizing the open and innovative culture of the Reality COLLAB
Explore:
Instructional Innovations & Digital Strategy
Credits:
Houston Community College