School of Law takes VR Technology into Classroom

After participating in the AR/VR working group in Spring 2022, Eugene partnered with ETS technologists to develop his vision into a Virtual Courtroom that his students can visit anytime to familiarize themselves with the real world courtroom setting. Replicated from an actual courtroom in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the Virtual Courtroom provides exact layouts and arrangements of the courtroom so the students can visit as many times as needed from anywhere using a VR headset (Oculus Quest 2).

Eugene also designed an asynchronous learning activity led by a virtual robot assistant who provides a guided tour of the different areas of the courtroom. Students can immerse themselves in the courtroom setting to experience practical aspects of courtroom procedure, including how to check in with the courtroom deputy, where to wait for a matter to be called, etiquette on interactions with opposing counsel and courtroom staff, and other norms that aren’t taught in books and must be experienced first-hand to be fully understood.

Using the group practice room, Eugene’s students can practice motion hearings without being restricted to a specific time or location, helping them gain familiarity, comfort, and confidence in courtroom environments.