Capitol News

At Michigan State University, two research labs are exploring the use of extended reality (XR) technologies to innovate education and communication. The Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects (SPARTIE) Lab and the Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab, both within MSU's College of Communication Arts and Sciences, are leading these efforts.

The SPARTIE Lab, directed by Associate Professor Rabindra “Robby” Ratan, focuses on the social aspects of virtual reality in educational settings. Ratan conducts his classes entirely in VR using platforms like Engage with Quest 2 headsets. He explains, "We look at how social presence — that sense of feeling like you’re ‘there’ with other people — influences perceived learning and actual learning." His findings suggest VR classes offer better engagement than traditional video conferencing.

A key insight from SPARTIE is identifying an optimal duration for VR sessions: "We found that about 30 minutes is, empirically, the inflection point," said Ratan. Beyond VR, the lab also explores mixed reality's potential to enhance social interactions.

Meanwhile, the GEL Lab applies game design principles to XR projects under Professor Brian Winn and Professor Andrew Dennis. Winn states, "Most of the GEL Lab projects have been a partnership between us...and other faculty at MSU who bring their own domain of expertise." Dennis highlights that creating interactive simulations requires game technology: "Everything that runs on VR runs off game technology."

The GEL Lab collaborates across disciplines to develop immersive simulations for fields such as healthcare education. These projects aim to provide hands-on learning experiences beyond traditional classrooms.

Both labs emphasize collaboration within MSU and with external institutions. Ratan mentions partnerships with Stanford University and others focusing on equity in virtual environments. The GEL Lab encourages integrating XR development into research proposals.

As XR technologies advance, MSU’s SPARTIE and GEL labs are shaping future educational practices through their innovative research efforts.