Parker University, specializing in healthcare education and health sciences, has one of the world’s largest chiropractic programs. Although Parker is a relatively small university with about 2,000 students, it has emerged as a leader in the XR space. The university's journey began unexpectedly—triggered by a devastating tornado in 2019 that destroyed campus infrastructure and forced a rapid pivot to digital learning.
Due to the damage from the tornado, students and faculty needed more access to their physical campus. As a result, the school was forced to transition to online learning. However, traditional healthcare education relies heavily on in-person, hands-on training - and online instruction needs to be improved. When the COVID pandemic hit a year later, the university sought a way to supplement the lack of hands-on learning. Virtual reality stood out as the best solution.
Parker University built a comprehensive VR program for its chiropractic cohort, including a “digital twin” of its campus. In addition, students practice important skills with 9,000+ interactive VR models. This is particularly impactful for subjects that require accuracy and precision, such as anatomy education in the cadaver lab. Soft skills training in VR also proved instrumental in student success, especially for career preparation and immersive mock job interviews. To streamline the management of VR devices across the entire cohort, Parker leveraged ArborXR. The platform enables the university to regularly deploy content updates, manage classes, and configure headsets remotely, ensuring a seamless and efficient VR experience for students and staff.
Metaverse: A Digital Immersive Education Experience
Parker University has transformed its campus into a digital twin using VictoryXR technology, creating an immersive learning environment that bridges the physical and virtual worlds. They built a digital, immersive replica of its campus. This enabled virtual tours, classes, peer interaction via avatars, and exploration of 60 unique spaces, offering a rich and engaging platform for exploration and interaction.
Through a cutting-edge partnership with Touch of Life Technologies, Parker University revolutionizes anatomy education with an interactive digital tool. Students gain access to 3D anatomical models that enhance their understanding of the human body. These tools are available on both desktop and VR headsets, providing flexibility in how and where students learn. This digital approach prepares students for real-world cadaver labs, offering a versatile and immersive learning experience.
Communication Skills Training with AI
Parker University also integrates Bodyswaps technology to equip students with essential communication skills. The platform offers AI-powered simulations, including mock job interviews, that help students refine their professional demeanor.
Features such as real-time feedback on eye contact and speech patterns allow for personalized improvement in a safe, supportive environment. This innovative approach ensures students are well-prepared for professional interactions in their careers.
Overcoming XR Implementation Challenges
Launching new technology at an educational institution inevitably presents challenges.
Mary Lee insists the success of the VR program was well worth the obstacles. Sourcing chiropractic-specific content, navigating rapidly changing technological advancements, managing VR headsets across the campus, and ensuring robust Wi-Fi connectivity were the most significant roadblocks they encountered.
However, the university overcame the obstacles by leveraging ArborXR, working with dependable XR content creators, and dedicating resources to the program.
Streamlining XR Management Across the Campus
Managing 30 headsets across multiple student programs is no easy feat. Parker University relies on ArborXR to manage its ecosystem of devices. The platform empowers university administrators to streamline their operations, simplify content deployment for classes, and track student progress.
“As I create new classes, ArborXR makes it simple to drop everything into a group in the platform, and deploy it to the headsets across campus.”
– Mary Lee Carter, Parker University’s Immersive Teaching and Learning Specialist
Additionally, using Kiosk Mode keeps students locked on one application, ensuring they stay focused on the educational material in a distraction-free virtual environment.
With ArborXR, she can quickly set up headsets for campus events, deploy specific content to designated groups, and manage devices across different locations. The platform simplifies onboarding for student workers and staff, ensuring smooth program operations. Parker University has even invested in charging cases capable of holding 15–18 headsets, enabling easy transportation between campus buildings and maximizing accessibility.
The Future of Immersive Learning
Parker University views XR as more than a technological trend—it's a fundamental shift in the world of education. With plans to expand immersive experiences across programs and develop dedicated immersive spaces, the university is committed to pushing the boundaries of experiential learning.
“XR provides our students safe, repeatable environments to practice complex scenarios—pushing the boundaries of how we teach and learn."
– Mary Lee Carter, Parker University’s Immersive Teaching and Learning Specialist
By simplifying XR device management and deployment, ArborXR empowers institutions like Parker University to integrate the tools seamlessly into their curriculum. This partnership enhances how students learn—it sets a new standard for education, where accessibility, engagement, and innovation meet to shape the future of learning.
As higher education evolves, Parker University stands at the forefront of a learning revolution. By embracing XR technologies and robust management solutions like ArborXR, the institution is not just adapting to change but actively shaping the future of healthcare education—making learning more accessible, engaging, and effective.
To learn more about how your university can implement XR - reach out to our team of ArborXR content specialists.