Montclair State University has officially opened a state-of-the-art virtual reality learning facility on its campus, built in partnership with immersive learning company Dreamscape Learn to expand experiential education and train students for careers in digital media.
Housed in the College of Communication and Media building, the 2,450-square-foot facility features a 26-seat classroom and an advanced free-roam pod equipped with 360-degree motion-capture technology and haptic feedback. Partially funded through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s “New Jersey Film Works Grant Program,” the lab is designed to serve more than 24,000 students across disciplines.
The facility will initially feature Dreamscape Learn’s signature course, “Biology in the Alien Zoo,” which places students into a collaborative virtual ecosystem to conduct scientific fieldwork and data analysis. Institutional data from early adopters like Arizona State University show that students utilizing the platform achieve significantly higher academic outcomes compared to traditional lab sections.
Beyond core coursework, the lab will provide hands-on technical training for students pursuing careers in virtual reality development, storytelling, and digital media production.
“Our students will graduate knowing how to storyboard, design, code, and run virtual environments, preparing them for vibrant careers in our tech-driven economy,” College of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler, said.
Montclair joins a select group of universities nationwide utilizing Dreamscape Learn technology, with plans to expand course offerings across additional majors in the future.
