Tinsley Learning Cener unveils the Stellar Virtual Reality Lab.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Julia Jordan Public Relations student

julia.jordan@selu.edu 

Hammond, La. (March 18, 2025) The Tinsley Learning Center launched their new Stellar Learning Virtual Reality (VR) lab designed to enhance student engagement and academic success by transforming complex subjects into an immersive and interactive experience. 

The cutting edge technology is made possible through generous grants and private donations. 

Tinsley director Marie Bernard, highlighted the significance of the VR lab and how it contributes to the students’ success. 

“The Stellar VR lab represents our commitment to providing our students with innovative and interactive resources. By implementing the lab, we are offering our students a chance to feel empowered by engaging with the cutting edge technology intended to deepen their understanding of challenging subjects,” said Bernard.

The concept of the lab was introduced by a former Tinsley tutor and Student Government Association member, Estelle Sevario. She suggested the learning center apply for an SGA grant to receive funding, and purchase the equipment. Shortly after the grant was approved, the learning center was awarded $1500 to purchase the Meta Quest VR goggles. Sevario served as a vital member of the learning center and SGA in securing funds, and conducting the necessary research to locate the equipment. 

“Estelle’s dedication and vision were instrumental in bringing this project to life. It’s only fitting we named the VR lab after her, the Stellar Learning VR lab, in her honor,” Bernard said. 

Apart from the SGA grant, the gaming chairs, an extra pair of goggles, and educational software were additionally secured through private donations.The Immerse Me software enables students to immerse themselves in various cultures through language as well as viewing the human anatomy in full detail.

Student tutor, Brailey Babin shared her excitement for the learning center’s new program.

 “The use of the VR goggles allows the university to get ahead of the VR learning curve. It offers the students an immersive learning environment, as well as valuable tools to become familiar with the equipment,” said Babin.

 The Learning Center is collaborating with Garima Thakur, assistant professor of art at Southeastern to create signage for the virtual lab. In the future, Tinsley is looking toward expanding the lab’s resources by creating a section of the center specifically designed for virtual exploration and interaction. Bernard also envisions incorporating other subjects such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, history, and art classes into the program.

The Tinsley Learning Center sees the VR enhancement as an opportunity to responsibly and ethically interact with AI technology. 

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 The mission of the Tinsley Learning Center is to engage and empower students to cultivate the skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning. Their core values are we care, we respect, we strive for excellence. We see learning as a process not a product. For more information about the Stellar VR Learning Lab, scheduling a tutoring or workshop appointment with the Tinsley Center, schedule by going onto their website at http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/cse/tutoring/index.html to sign up. You can also either email tinsleylearningcenter@southeastern.edu or contact Marie Bernard at marie.bernard@southeastern.edu.