Augmented and Virtual Reality, An Introduction to Wordpress, and a VR Demo

There will be a talk on Augmented and Virtual Reality, a talk on Wordpress, and a VR demo.

An Introduction to WordPress by Brian Murphy

Brian will provide an introduction to the WordPress content management system. We’ll talk about what WordPress is and why it’s popular. Then we will learn about themes, plugins, and have a live demo to tie it all together.

This presentation will be of interest to anyone looking for an easy introduction to setting up a website. If you already have a WordPress website, you will leave with ideas on how to improve your existing site. No programming knowledge is required to attend.

Brian Murphy is co-founder of OnSiteWP (https://www.onsitewp.com), a WordPress website maintenance company. His professional experience of working within enterprise IT, communication departments, startup companies and freelancing provides a unique, well rounded perspective on the issues business owners face. In his free time, Brian volunteers with Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue of AZ to help dogs find loving homes.

Using Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies to Revolutionize Science Learning and Research by Giovanni Castillo

The presentation will discuss the broad potential of virtual reality AR/(VR) to enhance science learning in higher education. We will discuss how VR experiences are being developed and assessed for its ability to increase engagement, comprehension, and retention of scientific concepts. Giovanni will discuss and present work including Anthropology, Chemistry, Ecology, and Psychology.

Giovanni Castillo is the founding director of NAU’s Virtual Reality Lab and a lecturer in the department of Visual Communication. He earned a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1997 and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. Before coming to NAU he worked for NASA at Ames Research Center in California, where he worked in scientific visualization and simulation environments. Giovanni has also worked as an architect and industrial designer years where he has worked as an environmental, furniture and lighting and architectural designer. His love of learning has steered him to VR work where he believes many disciplines intersect.

VR Demo with HTC Vive

Ben Reichert from University of Advancing Technology and Game CoLab will run a virtual reality demo using the HTC Vive. Come and experience this new medium and get inspired.

Ben Reichert is a professor in video game production and virtual reality at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT) and founder of Game CoLab, a video game incubator and community advocate based in Phoenix. He is also a mentor at ASU Venture Devils and SEED SPOT and was previously the Associate Director for the ASU Center for Games and Impact and founder of Abeona Games, a gamification company for the transportation industry. Ben has a background in public policy, fundraising and communications.