It’s college graduation season, which usually means large commencement festivities. But the pandemic has those events being pushed back or moved online. But for some students, this year's commencement will be cutting edge.
Students at Miami University were disappointed to learn that graduation was cancelled.
That’s when Glenn Platt from the university’s Department of Emerging Technology stepped in.
“Teaching how to create useful, immersive, virtual experiences is part of our curriculum,” Platt says. “We have courses in 3D modeling, virtual reality and game design. So, this is a world we’re already thinking a bit about.”
Now, the Class of 2020 will graduate in an interactive video game. Instead of donning a cap and gown, seniors will customize their avatars.
They’ll hangout and chat on a virtual quad, and when their names are called, they’ll get more than a pixelated diploma.They’ll have a chance to share a personal slide with the audience.
This year’s speaker is Governor Mike DeWine, who is an alum, and the public can watch it all on Miami University’s commencement page.
