Navarro College is ushering in a new era of healthcare education by integrating Extended Reality (XR) technology into their continuing education curriculum.
Navarro College is ushering in a new era of healthcare education by integrating Extended Reality (XR) technology into their continuing education curriculum. Jean Rogers, the Continuing Education Coordinator at Navarro College, expresses enthusiasm for the transformative impact of XR on the learning environment, emphasizing its role in enhancing the connection between clinicians and patients.
Extended Reality, encompassing Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is at the forefront of the college’s innovative approach.
The XR Lab at Navarro College initially introduced a Patient Assessment Program with advanced AI integration, a groundbreaking initiative in allied health education. Rogers underscores the significance of soft skills in healthcare, noting that XR facilitates the teaching and practicing of communication, treatment plan explanation, and proactive identification of patient needs, all with lower risks and higher learning outcomes.
Rogers, with a background in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, highlights the application of XR technology beyond soft skills. Students engage in three-dimensional renderings of processes and functions, delving into human anatomy and biology within the controlled environment of the XR laboratory. The technology allows real-time practice of essential tasks like assessing patient vital signs and conducting observations.
The establishment of the XR Lab became a reality through the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) grant award of $530,000. This initiative, aimed at preparing students for in-demand careers, aligns with Navarro College’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and supporting the Texas economy.
Navarro College, known for its diverse continuing education programs, covers career training, professional development, allied health, medical classes, protective services, adult education & literacy, and workforce education. The integration of XR technology positions the college at the forefront of educational innovation, offering students unparalleled opportunities for hands-on, immersive learning experiences.
As Rogers aptly puts it, “The sky truly is the limit with what and how we can teach our students with this level of technology.” Navarro College continues to shape the future of healthcare education, setting a precedent for the integration of AI and XR technology in the academic landscape.