It’s not just for entertainment anymore; virtual has become reality. Since the spring of this year, so many places around us have transitioned to virtual formats. Technology has now replaced in-person shopping, education, communication, food service, and even visits to the doctor with virtual options. However, when our grandparents and great-grandparents were younger, the virtual world was more fantasy than reality.
Did you know that the concept of virtual reality (VR) has been around since the 1930s? When science fiction author Stanley Weinbaum wrote “Pygmalion’s Spectacles,” I wonder if he knew his story would resemble the future. For example, it predicts the way today’s virtual reality goggles use the concept of total emersion to create virtual worlds. (It’s a quick read; I highly recommend it.)
The first actual VR machine came along in the ’50s — and was an early version of well-known Disney World and Universal Studios rides like Star Tours and Spiderman. From the 1960s, animated sitcoms like The Jetsons projected the use of video conferencing as a practice of the future. Hollywood has also explored the concept of VR with movies like “The Matrix,” “Ready Player One,” and many others. Now, anyone can have their own personal virtual reality experience via a relatively inexpensive headset display. Check out this history of VR timeline if you’re interested in learning more.
Eastern Florida and many other colleges are also replacing on-campus events with virtual ones. Of course, our experiences are nothing like what you would encounter at a theme park or in a movie. However, we’re working hard to transition our activities online so they are accessible from the comfort of your home.
As coordinator of on-campus recruitment events, I have looked for creative ways to offer virtual tours, workshops, and open houses. I truly enjoy introducing new and future students to our four campus locations and our myriad of academic programs. It’s been challenging and fun to use different technologies to offer information sessions on Dual Enrollment, expos for Bachelor degrees, and new student enrollment events. Check out our EFSC YouTube Channel to view Student Services Info and Tutorials, degree program highlights, student success resources, and more.
You can check out our campuses through our virtual tour videos. These allow you to virtually attend events or to watch the recordings later. The Office of Student Life on each campus is also in the process of transitioning to online activities. To kick off the Fall Term, for example, our big Welcome Back event will take place via our new Titan Virtual Hub beginning August 24th. It will include campus highlights, games, and more! You can find more information about this and other student events on our Student Activities page.
Programs like Microsoft Teams have given us a platform for video-conferencing, so application and enrollment assistance are available thorough virtual appointments as well. Thinking about applying to EFSC? You can make a virtual appointment with a Recruitment Specialist, and we’ll meet you “face-to-face” through your computer screen or mobile device.
What’s the takeaway from all of this? The modern versions of videophones and the virtual worlds of science fiction are apparently here to stay, as they have become vital resources that keep us connected both personally and professionally.
- Faces on Campus: Winter Break Edition - December 15, 2021
- It’s Never Too Late - August 25, 2021
- Overcoming Barriers To Degree Completion - April 28, 2021
