By Bobinec, Greg on April 3, 2019.
Herald photo by Greg Bobinec Lethbridge College launches two new technology based programs Tuesday morning, and will now be offering a Virtual and Augmented Reality certificate, and a Architectureal Animation Technology diploma. @GBobinecHeraldGreg Bobinec
Lethbridge Herald
With the launch of new technology-based programs this fall, Lethbridge College is continuing to target emerging markets.
The college will be offering a two-year diploma in Architectural Animation Technology and a one-year certificate in Virtual and Augmented Reality. Both programs were developed through industry input to help meet industry needs, while building the reputation Lethbridge College has as a technological leader in post-secondary training, officials say.
“We are an institution that is flexible and nimble enough to quickly adapt to the needs of industry,” says Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO. “The launch of these two programs proves that we are ready for what comes next. Our knowledgeable faculty and our investment in leading technologies will provide students with state-of-the-art training that will prepare them to be industry leaders.”
The Virtual and Augmented Reality program is one of the first programs in Canada to focus on AR/VR training, and students will learn the fundamentals and in-demand skills which will allow them to build immersive games, interactive landscapes and training experience in a booming industry.
“We are on the cusp of something amazing,” says Michael McCready, Lethbridge College VR/AR instructor and president of the Alberta chapter of the Virtual and Augmented Reality Association. “The potential is quite high for finding jobs. The industry over the next three years is forecast to grow over 400 per cent and a lot of these areas where we will be seeing this growth is in education and training. I have been talking with a few faculty here at Lethbridge College and they have a lot of ideas of how this technology could be brought into the classroom to improve and augment their education and learning opportunities, so the opportunities are great.”
The college has become a leader in the field of virtual and augmented reality, finding ways to incorporate the technology into programs such as Multimedia Production, Digital Communication and Media, Interior Design Technology, Wind Turbine Technology and a variety of health and nursing programs. Last year, the college hosted the world’s first VR/AR conference held entirely in VR, where Merging Realities brought people from around the world in 86 cities together for one event.
Branching off the college’s Interior Design Technology program, the Architectural Animation Technology program will provide students with specialized production knowledge and visual communication skills needed to be successful in the world of architecture. Students will be getting hands-on training using virtual reality and 3-D modelling technology.
“It has been so exciting for me to see my vision birthed in our new Architectural Animation Technology program,” says Cherie Reitzel, AAT instructor. “This is a one-of-a-kind architectural communication program with a strong focus on virtual reality, augmented reality and animation. Students will create dynamic immersive experiences and visual presentations for a variety of industries centred on architectural space.”
Graduates of the program will become a necessary and creative asset to any residential, hospitality, institution, retail or landscape project, assisting clients and architects with code-compliant virtual space creation, and an extended reality in three- and four-dimensional experiences.
Those interested in learning more about the programs and to speak with the faculty are encouraged to attend the surRENDER showcase event on April 24, and the second annual Merging Reality Conference on April 25.
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