During a Media Commons showcase centered around a newly installed immersive experiences (IMEX) viewing pod, Penn State New Kensington students and faculty consulted with Media Commons staff to explore 360-degree cameras and virtual reality headsets. Yesenia Figueroa-Lifschitz, library assistant (right), helps sophomore Olivia Ahr try on a headset.
Penn State faculty are going beyond using traditional video in their courses by incorporating virtual-reality immersive experiences. They are discovering how those experiences help enhance active learning and focus students' attention on critical lessons in their courses.
The proposed three-story addition to the current campus building at Penn State will include a new dining facility on the first floor, student service spaces on the second floor and a STEM wing on the third floor, including an organic chemistry lab.
In an effort to provide proper STEM-related facilities and accommodate future growth of the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus, the Board of Trustees Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning on Feb. 20 recommended a plan to expand the current campus building by 20,500 square feet.
