Skip to Main Content

Virtual & Augmented Reality

Learn about Virtual and Augmented Reality, and services available at the Nexus Collaborative Learning Lab!

Welcome!

This Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) resource guide is intended to supplement the VR services from the IU School of Medicine Makerspace at the Medical Education and Research Building directed by the Ruth Lilly Medical Library. Here you will find a basic introduction to VR and AR, information about the VR service currently available at the IU School of Medicine Makerspace, and educational resources for you to learn more.

If you'd like to schedule a VR session in the IU School of Medicine Makerspace, please use the Makerspace Reservation form https://iusmrlml-fireform.eas.iu.edu/online/form/index/3dprinting or contact the Makerspace Manager, Cassandra Jones-VanMieghem, at jonecass@iu.edu. 

If you have any questions, or are interested in learning more, please email the library's Tech Team at rlmltech@iu.edu.

The Makerspace Has Moved

The Makerspace, formerly located in the Ruth Lilly Medical Library in room IB202, has moved to the Medical Education and Research Building (350 West 14th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202) in room HA2061 on the second floor. The hours for the new IU School of Medicine Makerspace are Monday - Friday, 10am - 2pm and 3pm - 6pm.

Background

Virtual and Augmented Reality are being used in some of the following ways in the medical field:

  1. Medical Practice: These technologies allow surgeons to practice virtually using 3D visualizations of the patient's CT/MRI scans, thus allowing for a more customized experience. They are also being used to aid exposure therapy in people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and phobias.
  2. Medical Education: Students can learn about anatomy and molecular biology by immersing themselves in virtual environments.

Check out our Educational Resources page to learn more about how these technologies are used in medicine.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated experience that allows the user to be immersed in and/or interact with a virtual environment. Watch the video below to learn more.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) allows the user to enhance their perception of the real world by interacting with digital/virtual objects. Watch the video below to learn more.