Integration of extended reality (XR) in non-native undergraduate programmes

This paper presents the use of XR technologies in teaching CAD. Immersive experience generated by XR technologies have traditionally found a quicker uptake in visualization industry especially in arts, entertainment and gaming. Current undergraduate (UG) modules in computer science and game development programme provide underpinning modules for learning XR technology. Other non-native UG Programmes such as architecture, engineering (mechanical, aerospace, automotive, Computer Aided Design (CAD)) and construction do not provide these modules as a part of the programme. However, use of XR technology has been widely exploited in such application areas as its use cases are exponentially growing. The proposed study explored the potential benefits of utilizing XR technology in the BSc CAD, BEng (Mechanical and Aircraft) program. The paper presents a review of the current state of the XR use in various industries and XR related pedagogy, followed by a pilot study of introducing Virtual Reality (VR) application to current programme modules at the University of the West of Scotland. This use case is particularly important to collaborative design review using XR technology. The study captures students' and staffs' perception on adapting to this new technology. This paper provides an academic feasibility scenario for integrating XR/VR subject area in non-native UG programmes. The paper also provides an use-case for implementing VR assisted collaborative product review for evaluating a product design and development progress.