Advertising students at St. Clair College in Windsor are experiencing the future of technology firsthand this fall semester, working with cutting-edge Extended Reality glasses that seamlessly blend digital content with the physical world.
Revolutionary Learning Tools
The college has acquired multiple sets of high-tech sunglasses manufactured by Viture, a global leader in virtual reality technology. These sophisticated devices appear as ordinary sunglasses to observers but contain advanced capabilities that merge real and digital environments.
Rich Garton, St. Clair College's public relations manager, explained the transformative potential of this technology. "When you're wearing these glasses, you can experience your own reality while accessing digital content that would normally require pulling out your phone," Garton said. "The applications range from checking emails to watching full-length movies directly through the eyewear."
Hands-On Marketing Experience
Thirty students in the advertising program are sharing four sets of the XR glasses throughout the semester, with each student having three days to create content for their social media marketing projects. An additional fifth set is being utilized by the college's e-sports and graphic design programs.
Professor Dwayne St. John, who teaches advertising and marketing communications management, expressed enthusiasm about the educational opportunity. "What's so awesome is having cutting-edge technology like this available to our students," St. John remarked. "There isn't any more high-tech than this stuff. When students get to see the technology and apply it, it literally lights their hair on fire with excitement."
Real-World Success Stories
The innovative approach is already yielding impressive results. Third-year student Adam Alexander created a comedic skit highlighting the immersive capabilities of the glasses, which quickly gained traction on TikTok. Projects from nearly a dozen other students have also been shared on Viture's official social media platforms.
"This experience is amazing for resume-building," Alexander emphasized. "We have the opportunity to enter the industry with real job experience, which is incredibly valuable for people in our program."
Scott Briscoe, the lead advertising and communications professor behind the project, noted that St. Clair College's advertising program has developed a strong reputation for creating marketing campaigns for actual companies. Recent collaborations have included prominent organizations such as the Detroit Pistons, Campus Crew, and Thrive Pickleball.
"Every year we strive to introduce something innovative to our curriculum," Briscoe stated, highlighting the college's commitment to providing students with relevant, forward-thinking educational experiences that prepare them for successful careers in the evolving field of advertising and marketing.
