Student 3D Desktop vs. VR

The Immerse Student 3D Desktop Experience

Immerse has always been a platform focused on bringing together teachers and students for immersive 3D language learning. Head-mounted display VR headsets, such as the Meta Quest 2, have unlocked full immersion experiences for students, but what about the millions of students who yearn for learning beyond the confines of a 2D webcam experience but don't yet have access to a VR headset?

In an effort to fill this void and further democratize 3D language learning, we are excited to announce the development of our new student 3D desktop application!!!

The Student 3D Desktop App gives students the ability to do the following using their mouse and keyboard (as an alternative to physical, kinesthetic interaction when wearing a VR headset):

Move - navigate virtual worlds
Interact with Objects - grab, hold, throw and use objects
Gesture - communicate non-verbally through gestures and emojis
Use the Student Backpack - take notes, take photos, use the 3D Pen, and save items
Avatar - choose their avatar appearance and point of view (first-person or third-person)

Note: This update makes learning in our platform cross-compatible. What does this mean? It means multiple students are able to participate in a 3D lesson in the Immerse platform using either our desktop computer app or our VR headset app - whichever they prefer. This is a breakthrough for Immerse and our users because it gives teachers the freedom to deliver 3D language learning no matter which device students choose or are able to use.

Let's take a look at the similarities and differences between our desktop and VR applications:

1. Hardware

The Immerse Desktop experience:

Note: Students can access the Immerse 3D desktop app on any MAC or PC Computer

(Rear view of a character looking at a city view from a balcony)

The ultimate Immerse VR Headset experience:

Note: The Immerse VR app is currently only available on the Meta Quest 2 VR headset

(A smiling woman uses a VR headset and controllers)

2. Movement

Movement via Desktop:

Note: Students use WASD keys and/or their mouse to teleport or walk around the 3D scene

(Rear view of a character walking and teleporting around in an airport)

Movement via VR:

Note: Students in VR can either teleport or “glide-walk” using the Quest 2 VR controllers

(1st-person view of a character moving around in an airport)

3. Object Interaction

Object interaction via Desktop:

Note: Students can easily left-click to grab & right-click to throw or use items

(Rear view of a character playing basketball in a driveway with another character)

Object interaction via VR:

Note: Students can go beyond single-click interactions by physically grabbing, holding, and throwing items in VR.

(1st-person view of shooting a basketball at a hoop mounted over a garage door)

4. Using the Backpack

Using the backpack via Desktop:

Note: Click the student backpack icon in the desktop menu to interact with student backpack features

(Rear view of a character watching while a cursor clicks on a sidebar to access the student backpack)

Using the backpack via VR:

Note: Physically interact with your backpack and the 3D objects around you

(1st-person view of a character picking up a mask and putting it in the student backpack)

5. Changing your Avatar

Changing your avatar via Desktop:

Note: Click the avatar icon in the desktop menu to choose different avatars with varying skin tones

(Rear view of a character changing appearance as a cursor selects a new avatar from a menu)

Changing your avatar via VR:

Note: Look at your wrist, open the menu, and physically select the avatar you want to embody in VR

(1st-person view of selecting an avatar by pointing at a menu)

6. Receiving Messages

Receiving messages via Desktop:

Note: Click the 'Prompt' menu icon to view prompts from your teacher and reply using your keyboard

(Rear view of a character in front of a cauldron; a cursor clicks a message icon and a "Prompt" window pops up with a message from the teacher saying "Let's make a potion!")

Receiving messages via VR:

Note: Receive prompts from the teacher on your VR watch and respond to your teacher as you would in a real-life situation - by engaging in verbal or non-verbal conversation

(1st-person view of a hand pointing at a message icon on a watch and opening a "Prompt" pop-up with a message)

7. Drawing

Drawing via Desktop:

Note: Click to select the pen and use your mouse to draw on the whiteboard. Click to drop and switch to eraser for cleaning up mistakes or to start over.

(Rear view of a character drawing and erasing a smiley face on a whiteboard)

Drawing via VR:

Note: Physically grab a 3D pen and draw with your hand in VR! Don't worry if you make a mistake, the eraser is also easily at your disposal

(1st-person view of a hand drawing and erasing a smiley face on a whiteboard)

8. Using body language!

Using body language via Desktop:

Note: Click the 'Celebrate' button in the Animations menu tab to make your avatar emote a celebration!

(Rear view of character dancing when a cursor opens an "Animations" menu and clicks "Celebrate")

Using body language via VR:

Note: Simply throw your hands up in the air like you just don't care to queue the confetti and experience the celebration all around you!

(1st-person view of hands reaching towards confetti falling from the ceiling)

Please reach out to support@immerse.online if you have any question about Student 3D Desktop.