CVCC and the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Celebrate New Technology Available at College

By Chattahoochee Valley Community College News

PHENIX CITY, AL: PHENIX CITY, AL— Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) in partnership with the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the installation of two new computer labs with a ribbon-cutting and open house.

The College has incorporated new technology to offer students a more hands-on approach to learning. With the help of Vizitech Solutions, the College has two new computer labs with zSpace computers. These computers change the way students learn by providing 3D, augmented reality, and virtual reality learning programs and technology. Each virtual reality desktop computer with 3D glasses and a stylus allows students to interact with a virtual object or environment.

“Learning through this kind of technology allows students the capability to apply what they learn in real-life settings,” said Dr. Bridgett Jackson, Health Sciences Director. “They can dissect different anatomy that may be included in their lesson. It gives them a real-life depiction of what can go wrong, and then they can better understand the disease processes that may occur.”

Jackson says the labs are used throughout the Health Sciences program with nursing and medical assisting students. The new technology is also being utilized through the Science Department. The science lab is set up to be used with all biology, chemistry, and physical sciences courses.

“The Science Department is very fortunate to have the Vizitech lab at CVCC,” said Merry Cuervo, Interim Science Division Chair. “It adds another dimension of instruction for our students. They are able to visualize more with the 3D technology than before with our other lecture and laboratory experiences.”

Chattahoochee Valley Community College received a $250,000 grant from the Alabama Community College System to implement the labs. The College was one of two in the system to receive the funds. College administrators say the new technology also helps students to better transition from the local K-12 schools that use the same resources.

“With Phenix City Schools already using this technology, it was essential that CVCC have a zSpace to continue the interactive learning experience that these students have experienced in their secondary education,” said Dr. Chantae Calhoun, Dean of Instruction. “Now they experience the technology on a collegiate level. Working in partnership with our feeder schools that use this resource is a plus for everyone.”

The ribbon-cutting included remarks from Mayor Eddie Lowe and an interactive demonstration in which attendees had an opportunity to try the technology first-hand. Local and state leaders attended the event. For more information about this technology or any offerings at CVCC, call 334-291-4900 or visit www.cv.edu