VR and AR in Academia - An Overview of Middle Eastern Universities

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are cutting-edge technologies making significant inroads into various universities across the Middle East. These technologies find a promising niche in academic laboratories, primarily focusing on enhancing the modelling and understanding of architectural designs and structural elements. Their application extends across multiple departments, including Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and beyond. Each of these disciplines harnesses VR and AR for unique purposes, yet collectively, they share a common objective: to facilitate students' learning experiences in the intricate realm of construction. The methodology adopted for this research entails the following sequential steps:

1. Literature Review on VR and AR Applications in Middle Eastern Universities: This step delves into an extensive examination of the current applications of VR and AR in universities throughout the Middle East. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the existing landscape of these technologies within the academic sphere.

2. Current Implementation of VR and AR in UAE Universities: Focusing specifically on universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this section explores the current utilization of VR and AR technologies, shedding light on the regional context.

3. VR's Application in Design Courses at UAEU (United Arab Emirates University): Within the UAEU, with a spotlight on the Architectural Engineering Department and Design Studios, this phase investigates the integration of VR in design-oriented courses. It seeks to uncover how these technologies are being leveraged to enhance the educational experience.

4. Findings and Outcomes: This concluding stage of the study synthesizes the gathered data, offering insights, conclusions, and actionable recommendations based on the research's outcomes.

The overarching goal of this research endeavour is to amplify the use of VR and AR within the academic milieu, thus equipping the emerging generation with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital future. This objective is achieved through a comprehensive exploration of the current applications of VR across leading Middle Eastern universities, followed by a detailed analysis of their implementation within the UAEU's Architectural Engineering Department and Design Studios. The findings derived from this study promise to be of substantial value not only to the Academic of Engineering College at UAEU but also to the broader industrial sector within the UAE. It is a testament to the evolving educational landscape that embraces innovative technologies to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.