For some people, images of holograms and self-driving cars come into mind when thinking of what the future might hold. Others think of robots and space travel. But, for those in the University of Idaho’s Virtual Technology and Design program, the future is digital, and we are living in it now.
Digital media has become increasingly more common in our lives. Social media, video conferencing and streaming services are just some of the many ways in which we’ve become connected online. More recently, Facebook, now known as Meta, issued a press release and video presentation previewing its plans for virtual worlds. The University of Idaho’s Virtual Technology and Design (VTD) program aims to be ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field.
Students in the VTD program take advantage of digital programs and virtual spaces to solve problems, tell stories, and create new experiences. They become active creators of digital media. To prepare them for the collaborative nature of real-world organizations, projects are often done in group settings, where each person gets a say in the final product.
Rayce Bird, an assistant clinical professor in the program, said the program attracts a wide variety of students, ranging from those interested in video games to those interested in animation.
“There’s a tremendous amount of artistry that comes into our program,” Bird said.
Payton Finney, a fourth-year in the program, decided to join because of his interest in animation and storytelling. Over the past four years, he’s learned a variety of skills, such as 3D sculpting, texturing and character design. He’s also learned how to use programs like Maya, an application used to create 3D models and assets; the Unity game engine, a digital framework used in the development of video games and interactive applications; and the Adobe product suite, a range of programs that allow users to edit photos, video and sound.
“It was the only thing that really sparked my interest when I looked at all the majors,” Finney said.
Jean-Marc Gauthier, a professor and program head of the VTD program, said an important aspect of the VTD program comes in preparing students for using virtual worlds in real-world applications. For example, those working in biology could virtually fold proteins, and engineers could digitally visualize machines.
The VTD program also aims to prepare students to work on the metaverse—a concept that describes immersive, interconnected virtual worlds. Current communication technologies, like social media or video calling platforms, already facilitate connections among people. However, the metaverse’s inherent virtual nature allows for a greater degree of connection.
The applications are numerous. Researchers could model in scales too large or too small to normally work in and perform experiments too dangerous for the real world. Educators could incorporate virtual worlds into their lesson plans and serve students who may otherwise be unable to attend class.
“Could you imagine coming into a classroom in a virtual universe?” Bird said. “And instead of reading a book with text, you’re actually finding yourself inside of a world?”
In addition to solving problems and preparing for the metaverse, those in the VTD program learn to tell stories in new ways. 3D animations, game worlds, and virtual sets are among the many methods used for storytelling.
“Even just designing a room, you can still be a storyteller in that sense,” Finney said. “How is it laid out when you walk in, what do you see, and how does that tell a story of the space you’re in?”
Finney said his skills from the program will lead to many career opportunities. He hopes his efficient workstyle will land him a job in the entertainment industry, where productions can be costly.
Gauthier hopes to see the VTD program grow in the future. Already, student work and knowledge is showcased every year. Now, he’s interested in having more graduates research the applications of virtual worlds in the fields of business and science.
Bird sees the program expanding into the metaverse, servicing students not only on campus but also from around the world. He also sees the VTD program continuing to adapt to new technology and innovations in order to better serve students.
“It’s a program of the future,” Bird said. “We’ve always felt like that, and it’s what we’ve pushed towards. It’s why we’re willing to change our curriculum every semester if that’s what needs to happen.”