On Friday, April 11, students and faculty from across the university gathered in the Science and Engineering Hall (SEH) for XRperience @ GW, a high-energy showcase of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The event offered a dynamic, hands-on introduction to immersive technology through interactive VR games and engaging AR experiences on tablets.
“The goal of XRperience @ GW was to introduce students to immersive technology not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and innovation,” said Dr. Hurriyet A. Ok, instructor of GW’s AR/VR courses.
Participants dove into lively rounds of Rec Room Paintball in VR, explored a range of AR applications, and connected over pizza, refreshments, and meaningful conversations. It was an inspiring display of energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm from the GW community as they experienced firsthand the creative and educational potential of immersive tech.
Ok extends his gratitude to the GW Esports Club, particularly President Oliver Krisetya and Executive of Community Ethan Persaud, for their leadership and enthusiasm in organizing and promoting the event. He also thanks members of the Advanced AR class, including teaching assistants Parithosh Dharmapalan and Matias Liu Schmid, and student volunteers, whose behind-the-scenes support with XR devices helped the collaborative VR games and AR demos run seamlessly.
With SEH’s Green Wall and Lehman Auditorium as the backdrop, this memorable event celebrated immersive tech and student collaboration. It aimed to spark interest in spatial computing and encourage greater partnerships across disciplines, from engineering and computer science to art, media, business, and beyond.
“As the instructor of GW’s AV/VR courses, I’m proud to support students who are eager to lead in building a vibrant, cross-disciplinary XR community on campus,” said Ok. “Thank you to everyone who participated–we’re excited for what’s next!”