NEWS
University of Bahrain Provides Virtual Reality Lab Services for Professors and Graduate Students
Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Ali Al-Sabbagh)
February 17, 2022
The University of Bahrain has inaugurated the BBK Lab for Virtual and Augmented Reality and a research laboratory at the E-Learning Center, to allow university professors and graduate students to benefit from its equipment and services.
The Director of the E-Learning Center at the university, Dr. Sheikha Fai bint Abdullah Al Khalifa, stated that the Lab is equipped with the latest and advanced equipment, necessary for the production and use of content based on virtual reality technology. Dr. Sheikha Fai noted that this technology not only helps students and professors, but also promotes the level of learning, training and scientific research to new levels and wider prospects.
Dr. Sheikha Fai Bint Abdullah Al Khalifa indicated that the advantages of virtual and augmented reality technology include saving time and effort, and create a world of creativity and innovation to learners and trainees.
The Director of the E-Learning Center urged all those interested in virtual reality technologies to contact the Center and fill in lab reservation request forms to conduct their activities and training related to virtual reality
Regarding the professors and students who benefit the most from the two labs, given the nature of their specializations, the Director of Center stated, “The benefit of virtual reality technology cannot be limited to a specific field as this technology, like the rest of the current technologies, can be used in all fields. However, disciplines that require more experiences and practical training are the ones that may benefit the most from this technology at present, including the various disciplines of engineering, science, as well as health sciences or nursing.”
Dr. Sheikha Fai Bint Abdullah Al Khalifa pointed out, “This technology provides great and promising opportunities for training and conducting practical experiments in a virtual environment, away from health hazards, human errors, or depletion of resources.”
With regard to the equipment students and professors can employ in the educational process, Dr. Sheikha Fay bint Abdullah Al Khalifa indicated that “Beneficiaries of this technology, whether students or professors, can use the basic components through which they can interact with the virtual environment, including virtual reality headset, controllers attached thereto, and advanced computers.”
According to the director of the E-Learning Center, the labs can be used during official working hours, taking into account precautionary measures. Dr. Sheikha Fay bint Abdullah Al Khalifa noted that the capacity of the virtual and augmented reality lab is 31 chairs, and the capacity of the research lab is 14 chairs, in addition to a small stage accommodating 12 persons.
