The ability for high school students to earn college credits at Central Michigan University through a virtual environment on Meta Quest 3 headsets will begin in the Fall 2025 semester.
Central Michigan University has received a grant from the USDA that will facilitate the introduction of a new dual enrollment opportunity for certain high school students. Using Meta Quest 3 headsets, students will soon be able to take a human anatomy and physiology course in a virtual reality environment to earn college credit while still enrolled in high school.
According to an article on Central Michigan University’s website, Dr. Gregory Zimmerman, who is the university's Interim Dean of the College of Health Professions, was quoted as saying of the new opportunity, “This opportunity is a shining example of CMU’s commitment to transforming healthcare education through innovation. By introducing high school students to the human body in immersive 3D, we’re preparing them for college-level rigor while igniting a passion for careers in medicine, nursing, therapy, and more.”
Central Michigan University received support from former Congressman Dan Kildee, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, and former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow in the grant process. The grant, awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture, will support the university offering the HSC 211: Anatomy and Physiology course to high school students at City High School, Bullock Creek High School, Essexville High School, and Freeland Community School District.
Students at these high schools will have access to Meta Quest 3 headsets in a classroom at their school, where they will use AlensiaXR HoloAnatomy applications to perform virtual dissections, examine models of the human body, and explore body systems. Central Michigan University’s Dr. Roop Jayaraman, an associate professor, will help build the course curriculum alongside teachers from the high schools. Students who participate will receive transferable college credit for Central Michigan University.
Dr. Kaleb Patrick, the university's Interim Vice President for Innovation and Online, said, “With support from the USDA, we’re removing traditional barriers to college access by giving high school students an innovative head start to college and potentially unlocking their future career. It’s not just about learning science in an immersive way. It’s about reshaping what’s possible for the next generation of healthcare leaders. I am incredibly proud to work with forward-thinking school districts that share our vision for future-focused education.”
This new virtual reality dual enrollment option is part of the university's Fire up! Forward initiative that offers low-cost dual enrollment opportunities to students throughout Michigan.
For more information about Central Michigan University, visit the school’s website.