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Construct a Virtual Reality Experience

Discover what virtual reality is, how it can be used, and how you can create it in Javascript.

1,656 enrolled on this course

Person using a VR headset and two icons: a VR Headset and someone using a computer

Construct a Virtual Reality Experience

1,656 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 6 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Explore virtual reality with practical examples and build your own VR experience

Virtual reality is increasingly being deployed by a wide range of industries to allow an object to be manipulated by a user when the user can’t physically reach the object.

We’ve seen VR applied by such varied professions as surgeons, teachers, and architects to let highly-skilled workers explore objects they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

On this course, you’ll learn what virtual reality is, and how exactly it’s used. You’ll discover how to create your own virtual reality world by coding with Javascript. In this VR world, you’ll be able to create, colour, and move your own objects.

What topics will you cover?

  • Computer graphics concepts
  • 3D coordinates and shapes
  • Scaling, rotating, and colouring objects
  • Learning to code virtual reality using JavaScript

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Design: Learners will be guided on how to design a simple virtual worlds application.
  • Produce: The learners will be able to test their understanding of the concepts learnt throughout the course by producing and sharing their own virtual world products.
  • Develop: Learners will be able to develop self-directed skills to help them practice the course exercises to achieve the desired outcomes.
  • Discuss: The course provides an avenue for discussion forums that will allow learners to engage and exchange ideas and ask for help with the course from both their peers and educators.
  • Reflect: Learners have the opportunity to reflect on their studies throughout the course.
  • Assess: Quizzes are provided in the course to enable learners to assess their understanding of the concepts taught throughout the course.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in virtual reality, such as someone who’s played virtual reality games and wants to know more about how they’re made.

It would also be useful if you’re interested in a career as a virtual reality developer and want an introduction to the topic.

You might also be interested in the other courses in the Essential Creative Technologies collection from UAL Creative Computing Institute, Lancaster University and the Institute of Coding.

What software or tools do you need?

The hands-on elements of the course require you to write code and build small examples as well as the main VR experience that you propose in Week 1. This requires some programming experience. While we use a light-weight approach to programming using AFrame, learners will find basic proficiency in web-technology like HTML and Javascript to be extremely useful. This course assumes you can write simple programs in Javascript, are able to understand simple concepts related to the HTML DOM and are able to use browser-based development tools to view source-code and debug errors. Firefox is our browser of choice and all examples are built and tested on it. However, Chrome should also work without issues. Remaining browsers may work but we don’t guarantee compatibility.

Who will you learn with?

Dr Daniel Onah is a Lecturer in Computer and Information Systems at University College London (UCL). He specialises in designing interactive computing systems using several programming languages.

Abe Karnik is a Lecturer in Human Computer Interaction at the Lancaster University. He is involved in creation of novel interactive systems including 3D displays, AR/VR environments and haptics.

Who developed the course?

Lancaster University

Lancaster University is a collegiate university, with a global reputation as a centre for research, scholarship and teaching with an emphasis on employability.

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99

For your first month. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 2 Jan 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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