Virtual Technology Creates Bridge for Distance Learning

The Embry-Riddle Virtual Crash and Virtual Aerial Robotics labs marry products developed by Michael Durant, a Worldwide Campus alumnus and the founder of Pinnacle Solutions, an engineering and training services company, with the university’s distance-learning platform.

The Virtual Crash Lab places students in real-life crash investigations. As virtual National Transportation Safety Board investigators, students can direct their avatars to zoom in on details, collect and analyze data, and apply theory to determine possible scenarios and failures that led to an aircraft disaster.

The Virtual Aerial Robotics Lab allows students to design and build their own UAS in a virtual environment where they can test flight capability and analyze the results from anywhere in the world.

Aeronautics Professor Scott Burgess says virtual labs are the future of learning. “We want to lead with cutting-edge technology for students,” he says. “What we want to do is bring Star Wars-like capabilities to life and position students to expand their learning in an enhanced environment. The virtual aspect is one way to do that."

SEE FOR YOURSELF

To experience the Virtual Crash Lab, visit goo.gl/reSOA6.