Reality COLLAB

We proudly join forces with the Center for Healing of Racism, HP, SKANSKA USA, the University of Houston Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage, Meta, Houston Independent School District, Kaltura, and Stanford University. Together, we are forging paths toward inclusivity, education, and innovation. These strategic alliances fuel our commitment to creating meaningful impact and fostering a community that thrives on diversity and shared goals. Join us on this transformative journey, where partnerships shape a brighter future.

Students embark on a transformative journey with a spectrum of immersive experiences, including K12 Metaverse Camps, HP Metaverse Symposiums, and VAST Academy STEMVR Camps, all meticulously crafted to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM fields. Peruse the videos below and learn how creativity is unleashed in Media Arts 3D Design and immerse yourself in the future of fashion with our Fashion Promotion Immersive Show. Witness the extraordinary talent displayed in our Interior Design Portfolio Show and explore the avant-garde world of Fashion Sketchfab Collections, featuring awe-inspiring 3D objects. Sharpen your oratory skills at the Ovation Speech & Communications School pilot. Our array of projects goes beyond education – it's a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the limitless possibilities that the metaverse offers. Join us as we redefine learning and exploration in the digital age. 

VAST Academy Metaverse Camp 2023-

Ovation Pilot for Speech and Communication-

Interior Design Immersive Portfolios Spring 23-

EnchanTECH Halloween Metaverse Project-

SketchFab HCC Fashion Collection

 
Dance Ensemble Motion Capture Suit

3D Visual Merchandising: HCC Book Store

Danel Zharmenova: Residential Design project 360°

LIDAR/Photogrammetry Drone project

Our faculty seamlessly integrates expertise from various departments, fostering a dynamic learning environment that transcends traditional boundaries. Immerse yourself in the fusion of creativity and innovation with collaborations spanning across Fashion, Architectural Design and Construction COE, Speech and Communications, English as a Second Language, Cosmetology, Media, Visual and Performing Arts COE, and more. Through these cross-disciplinary partnerships, we ensure a holistic approach to education, empowering students to explore diverse perspectives and cultivate a well-rounded skill set. At Reality Collab, we believe in the power of collaboration to shape future leaders and visionaries across a spectrum of industries.

• Fashion Merchandising Immersive Mall
• REVEAL 23: Interior Design Immersive Student Portfolios
• HCC Sketchfab 3D Collections
• HCC Virtual Exhibition Gallery
• VAST Academy Metaverse Summer Camp
• Fall 2020 Immersive Fashion Show
• Student Services Metaverse Camp for Middle & High Schoolers
  
  

Metaverse Summit in Collaboration with HP and Student Services 

 Interior Design Fundamentals Immersive Course- FALL 2023

 REVEAL 23: Interior Design Immersive Portfolio. Spring 2023

A clip of our Collaboration with the Fashion Promotion Class Fall 2020. Students in the Promotion class scanned the Spring 2020 Fashion Collection and created 3D objects. You can see the process of Developing an Immersive Fashion Experience here, and the 3D Objects on the HCC Sketchfab here.

Collaborations over 4 years ago:

• Motion Capture Dance Ensemble
• Dr. Renu Jain Biology Class 360 video
• Fashion Show MFA 360
• Spring 2016 Student Art Exhibit
• 2017 Digital Storytelling Workshops

Reality COLLAB: HCC’s Immersive Innovation Hub

The Reality COLLAB is Houston City College’s creative launchpad for XR, AI+Metaverse integration, and interactive media. Inside, you’ll find a developers’ zone, 3D printing stations, a compact studio, and a state-of-the-art audio system. This collaborative space connects students, faculty, community, and industry to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

Our lab is a treasure trove of cutting-edge tools and resources, specifically tailored for students and community members keen on innovating in various industries. Our lab not only provides the tools below but also offers a conducive environment for learning, experimenting, and creating. Whether you're interested in virtual and augmented reality, spatial computing technologies, or related fields, the Reality ColLab is your gateway to innovation and creativity.
List of some of the resources at the Reality Collab, including hardware and software tools: 

Hardware

1. VR Headsets: Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Hololens.
  

2. 3D Printers: Generative AI:  MIdjourney, ChatGPT, Blockade Labs, Adobe Firefly, AI Voice Generator, and more.

Software  

1. Development Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine and NVIDIA Omniverse

2. 3D Modeling and Animation Software: Adobe Substance, TwinMotion, Blender and Cinema 4D

3. Graphic Design and Image Editing: Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)

4. Video Editing and Sharing: Adobe Premiere Pro, WeVideo and AI video editing Kaltura 
 
5. Augmented Reality (AR) Development: Unity, ARKit (for iOS development), ARCore (for Android development) and Adobe Aero

6. 3D Printing Software: Ultimaker Cura (slicer software for Ultimaker 3D printers) and Autodesk Meshmixer

7. Photogrammetry Software: Agisoft Metashape and RealityCapture

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Content Creation: Gravity Sketch and Quill

9. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software: Autodesk Revit & AutoCAD, SketchUp

10. Simulation and Training Software: TwinMotion & Enscape and Ovation

11. Spatial Audio Tools: Unity 3D Audio and Unreal Engine Audio

12. Version Control: Git, GitHub or GitLab for collaboration

13. Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams and Spatial 

14. Web Development: A framework like Spatial and FrameVR for creating VR experiences on the web 
WebXR API for integrating XR experiences into web applications

15. Learning Resources: Online tutorials and documentation for all software and hardware tools 
XR development courses or certifications

16. Community and Support: Unity Education Group, Educause XR Community, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Houston ION, HP's Future of Work

We ensure that the software is regularly updated to the latest versions, and provide adequate training and documentation to help users make the most of the resources available in the Lab. 

Reserve the Reality COLLAB

Apply to intern in the lab by emailing ruben.duran@hccs.edu.

Reality Collab Internship Conditions

Objective: The internship is designed to offer a comprehensive learning experience in Metaverse and AI technologies. Interns will develop practical skills and knowledge by working closely with staff members on meaningful projects, benefiting both their educational journey and the institution's Immersive Learning initiatives.

Eligibility:

• Enrollment in a related program (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Communications, Media Arts, Fashion, AEC.)
• Basic understanding of Extended Reality technologies and a strong desire to deepen this knowledge.

Nature of Internship:  This is a non-paid internship, offering valuable experience and knowledge in the field of XR technologies rather than financial compensation.

Responsibilities:

1. Project Participation: Interns will contribute to the development and execution of XR projects that are beneficial both to their academic pursuits and the institution.
2. Learning and Development: Interns will learn from experienced XR lab staff, absorbing knowledge and skills pertinent to XR technology.
3. Research and Engagement: Actively engage in research to stay updated with the latest XR trends and technologies. Participation in workshops, seminars, or online courses as recommended by the mentor is encouraged.

Learning Outcomes:

• In-depth understanding and hands-on experience with XR technologies.
• Development of professional skills including project management, teamwork, and technical proficiency in XR.
• Enhanced ability to engage with complex XR systems and concepts.

Duration:

• The internship will last for a specified duration (one semester, 6 months, two semesters), requiring a commitment of a certain number of hours per week (e.g., 10-20 hours).

Mentorship:

• Each intern will be paired with an experienced mentor from the lab's staff who will guide their learning and project involvement.

Evaluation:

• Performance will be regularly assessed to ensure the fulfillment of learning objectives, with constructive feedback provided for ongoing development.

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge technological field.
• Opportunity to contribute to significant projects within the college’s XR initiatives.
• Possibility of receiving academic credit, subject to the HCC's policies.

Application Process:

• Prospective interns are required to submit a resume and a cover letter, highlighting their interest in XR technology and how they can contribute to the Reality Collab. Apply to intern in the lab by emailing ruben.duran@hccs.edu. 

Selection Criteria:

• Selection will focus on the applicant’s passion for XR, relevant skills, and potential to effectively engage with the lab’s projects.

Please Complete the Online Form

• Reality COLLAB Edutube Video Channel
• Reality COLLAB Podcasts

• Reality COLLAB at HCC: Where the future of learning is built together
• Building For & With Educators: HCC @ Meta for Education’s Program
• HCC Builds a Thriving VR Ecosystem with Ovation
• 2025 NEXTGEN - AI & Metaverse Camp Presentations
• 2025 HCC Next Reality: Future Cities
• 2024 HCC State of The College: To the Metaverse and Beyond
• Reality COLLAB & VRAR Association Houston Chapter at UH TechFest 24
• 2024 Greater Houston Partnership State of Education
• Digital twins: Shaping a brighter path for construction and higher education (Skanska & HCC)
• HCC & HP Collaboration: Metaverse & Coding Summit for K12
• Educause Horizon Report 23: From Virtual to Reality: Leveraging the Metaverse for Inclusive Learning Experiences of  Students with Disabilities. Accessible and Inclusive Tools and Processes in Practice. The Future of Teaching and Learning.
• HCC: Fueling Student Learning with Video for 12+ Years

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