About 100 college, college students and community members gathered at Arizona State University’s West Valley campus to step inside a brand new type of classroom — one powered by digital actuality, storytelling and hands-on discovery.
The Dreamscape Learn cellular pod, showcased on campus, supplied a preview of immersive, story-driven science lessons that may quickly turn into a everlasting half of the West Valley studying expertise.
Related story
ASU, Dreamscape Learn bring immersive VR biology classrooms to Phoenix school district
Set to formally launch this fall contained in the campus’ new tutorial and administration constructing, the Dreamscape Learn classroom will permit college students to discover complicated biology and chemistry ideas via cinematic digital environments, reworking conventional lab work into interactive, investigative missions.
The expertise locations college students within the position of subject scientists and investigators. In one featured chemistry lesson, individuals analyze a polar bear hair pattern and a mysterious substance, making use of what they learn about atoms, isotopes and molecular bonding to trace a cybercriminal. The method blends scientific rigor with narrative engagement, serving to college students join principle to real-world problem-solving.
From cellular pod to classroom expertise
Chief of Realm 4 initiatives
Dreamscape Learn
“We’re very excited because, come fall, there’s going to be a physical installation at the West Valley campus — not just on a bus, but in a classroom,” said Lisa Flesher, chief of Realm 4 initiatives. “We’re excited to bring this content to our students, starting with introductory biology and chemistry courses.”
For students, the impact was immediate.
“I experienced Dreamscape Learn for the first time — we did a chemistry module, and it was so much fun,” psychology student Jaidyn Niccum said. “I actually felt like I was there, and I retained so much information.”
Ryan de la Rosa, an education major at ASU, emphasized the platform’s potential to support different learning styles.
“The experience here was great — it felt very hands-on and explained everything in depth,” de la Rosa said. “I think it’s especially helpful for students who may not be ready to grasp large concepts in a traditional classroom. It helps translate more abstract ideas into something tangible.”
AJ Branstetter, a forensic science student, also highlighted the real-world connection of the experience.
“We did a chemistry module, and it was a super cool experience,” Branstetter said. “I was able to grasp what I was doing firsthand. It felt like a real-world experience where the things you’re learning can actually be applied.”
Faculty and staff shared similar enthusiasm.
“As a former science major, I remember large classes where many students would lose interest,” said Lindy Baker, assistant director of records and enrollment services. “This is different. It brings investigation into learning, and it’s easier to absorb information when you’re interested.”
While virtual reality is a key entry point, faculty emphasize that the learning extends far beyond the headset.
“A lot of people think the experience is just putting on a headset for a few minutes and going on an adventure,” said Michael Angilletta, associate dean and President’s Professor with EdPlus at ASU. “But it’s much richer than that. After the VR experience, students spend hours analyzing data they collected or working with physical samples from the story. The narrative drives the learning across both the VR and classroom experience.”
The West Valley preview marks the first time the campus community has engaged with Dreamscape Learn’s mobile classroom ahead of its permanent installation. ASU currently operates Dreamscape Learn labs at its Tempe and Polytechnic campuses, as well as at Mesa’s MIX Center.
By bringing immersive education to the West Valley, ASU continues to support regional growth and workforce development, positioning the area as a hub for innovation and opportunity. The initiative reflects ASU’s broader commitment to expanding access to innovative learning tools and preparing students for in-demand careers in science and technology.