Teaching Philosophy
Throughout my life, few experiences have had a more significant impact on me than my college education. Beyond gaining an appreciation for abstract theoretical concepts and hands-on practical skills, my professors gave me direction and hope during times of uncertainty. Furthermore, my professors instilled in me the ability to think critically and examine the world with the knowledge that we can improve upon it and the courage to try. Today’s students live during increasingly uncertain times as they face mounting global crises. However, in my experience, today’s students are highly motivated to tackle the challenges before them. They want to make a better and more inclusive future for everyone. I want to help them by ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and courage to create that future. Therefore, I view my role as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a facilitator and mentor in addition to being a teacher.
Virtual Reality 360° Photo Projects
In my augmented and virtual reality course, students learn how to produce content for VR using omnidirectional cameras (otherwise known as 360° cameras). One project involves creating a virtual tour of an interesting or important location/event. You can find one sample 360° picture below (drag-and-drop to change your perspective). If you would like to see the full tour, click HERE.
AR & VR – Spring 2022 – Group members: Ben Crane, Akash Kumar Saini, J.A. Canty, Brielle Scullark, and Kofi Hopps
Virtual Reality 360° Video Projects
Students work together in small teams to create virtual reality video experiences. You are encouraged to watch the below videos in a VR headset. Alternatively, you can simply “drag-and-drop” the videos to change your perspective.
As a part of the inaugural work of our grant-funded Illinois Partnership for African Women’s Health Narratives, a team of my students were sent to Sierra Leone, Africa. The students produced a Hearst Award-winning piece, “Tailoring Hope.” The immersive experience for the project can be viewed below.
Group Members: Maggie Knutte, Nathan Gonzalez, and Nour Longi
Group Members: DJ Roach, Max Sattler, Jennifer Zhang, and Alfonso Zambrano
3D Scanning Projects
Students also learn how to create incredibly detailed and accurate models of real-world objects using photogrammetry techniques. Drag-and-drop the model below to rotate the object.
Created by Logan Hodson
Created by Dalila Divanovic
Augmented Reality Short Stories
Students also create short Augmented Reality experiences using Adobe Aero. Download the Adobe Aero App (iOS and Google Play), then scan the QR codes below with your phone’s camera to experience a couple of them yourself.
Created by Stephanie Wayda
Created by Eric Brewer
Photo Credit: Nathan Gonzalez / College of Media
Christopher Ball, PhD 