The Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP) program hosted three interns from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) on July 10 up until August 24, 2023. Elijah Gabriel Malazarte and Joseph Gabriel Sta. Rita, BS Computer Science majors, and Rovie S. de Ramos, BS Applied Physics, took on various collaborative projects showcasing the potential of immersive technologies.
The interns gained hands-on experience in 3D scanning, modeling, and the creation of virtual reality (VR) projects using A-Frame, WebXR, and 3DVista. They also presented a final project based on the skills they developed throughout the internship.
On August 9, 2023, Mr. Malazarte and Mr. Sta. Rita presented their 3D version of the IOP website to IOP Director Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Educational Media Production (EMP) Deputy Director Lexter J. Mangubat, and personnel from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA). The computer science majors unveiled the website’s functions, objectives, and significance. The IOP website’s multidimensional approach expanded beyond its 2D limitations, inviting learners to explore various immersive concepts and ideas.
On August 24, 2023, Mr. Rovie de Ramos presented his project “HANDI System: Hand Adept Non-Controller Dynamic Interaction System” to Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., UPLB Asst. Prof. Arian Jacildo, and Mrs. May Dulman Jacildo. Rovie’s project merged virtual reality with practical applications, featuring a 3D printer responsive to human touch. This innovation, combining VR technology and intuitive gestures, promised to redefine fields like design and human-computer interaction.
The IOP Program opens such opportunities for students and researchers to hone their skills. Through this internship, the three undergraduate students were able to develop projects that showcased not only their abilities but also the potential of immersive technologies. Their experience from this internship let them explore and deepen their understanding of virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D technologies. They went above and beyond expectations, accomplishing noteworthy projects in a brief timeframe. Their projects are now included in the extensive portfolio of the program and will soon be available to the public.
Written by Joshze Rica Esguerra and Hannah Gabriella Macaldo
Edited by Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa, Jr.
