April 2022

Monday, April 11, 2022
6:30 – 8:00 pm: Business Meeting / Program

IN-PERSON ONLY

SPECIAL NOTE: We will be meeting at the STELAR lab, not our usual location in McNeely Hall. St. Thomas currently recommends, but does not require that visitors wear masks.

Directions to STELAR Lab

  • The STELAR lab is located in the lower level of the O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library. Location in Google Maps. Location in St. Thomas Maps.
  • Feel free to park in the underground parking area under McNeely Hall as you normally would, or find your own parking elsewhere. The library is on the main campus across Summit Avenue from McNeely Hall.
  • After you enter the library, the stairs are immediately to your right. Take the stairs to the lower level.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

STELAR Center & AR/VR Showcase

The St. Thomas E-Learning And Research (STELAR) center, in partnership with the Libraries, Academic Affairs, and Faculty Development, enhances the teaching and learning mission of the university through innovative and transformative technologies. STELAR serves as the university’s partner for all technology-enhanced instruction, whether in the classroom, online, or in virtual spaces.

Tonight’s DLF meeting consists of a tour of STELAR’s active learning spaces and virtual reality showcase.  You will hear a presentation on how St. Thomas is integrating AR and VR pedagogy in courses and programs to advance the common good through immersive experiences and exploration. Attendees will be able to explore virtual and augmented reality at various experiential stations.

SORRY, THERE IS NO OPTION TO ATTEND VIRTUALLY THIS TIME, IT IS IN-PERSON ONLY

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Eric Tornoe is the Associate Director of Research Computing and Emerging Technology with STELAR- St. Thomas E-Learning and Research. His position encompasses the areas of High-Performance Computing, Deep Learning, Virtual and Augmented Reality development, 360 filmmaking and other wondrous things that combine art and technology. In his 25 years at the University of St. Thomas, he has previously worked in Operations, Security, and Technical Support.

Michael Wilder is an instructional designer within the STELAR Center at the University of St. Thomas. Prior to coming to St. Thomas, he was an Instructional Designer and Academic Technology Manager at the University of Northwestern and spent 12 years in the K-12 education. With over 30 years’ experience as an educator and trainer at all levels, his current work focuses on the intersection of technology and pedagogy where deep transformation of teaching and learning happens. His areas of expertise include instructional design, learning systems management, online & blended instruction, and multimedia development.

Michael holds an M.A. in Learning Technology from the University of St. Thomas. He is certified as a Quality Matters Peer Reviewer and has presented at many academic conferences. He enjoys cycling, camping, gardening, and traveling.