SPEXTRA: Training the Next Generation with Virtual and Augmented Reality
2nd Place – GOLC Online Laboratory Award 2025 (Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiments)
Magesh Chandramouli, Professor of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University Northwest, has been awarded Second Place in the 2025 GOLC Online Laboratory Award in the category Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiments. The award, presented at the 22nd International Conference on Smart Technologies & Education (STE2025) in Santiago, Chile, recognizes the outstanding contributions of online laboratories in engineering and technical education.
The Global Online Laboratory Consortium (GOLC), a branch of the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), honors projects that advance the design, implementation, and global accessibility of online labs. In her congratulatory message, GOLC President Prof. Dr. Valérie Varney praised the project:
“Your submission demonstrated an impressive level of dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence in the field of remote laboratories. It was a highly competitive selection process, and your performance stood out among the entries we received.”
Prof. Dr. Dominik May, President of the International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), added:
“At IAOE, we deeply value forward-thinking projects like SPEXTRA that use cutting-edge technology to make engineering education more accessible, immersive, and effective. We are proud to recognize Dr. Chandramouli’s contributions and look forward to seeing his work inspire even more educators around the globe.”
Dr. Chandramouli was honored for his project SPEXTRA – Specialized Process Equipment Training Using Extended Reality, which provides virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) training modules for industrial manufacturing processes. Developed through collaborations with academic and industry partners, SPEXTRA offers an affordable and accessible alternative to traditional hands-on training, removing the constraints of equipment availability, location, and scheduling.
“Virtual training allows learners to repeat modules as often as needed, without the noise, distractions, or limitations of a physical lab,” Chandramouli explains. “This is especially crucial for preparing students and professionals to work with complex process equipment.”
Dr. Chandramouli is a Fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute (UK) and has delivered workshops and lectures across the US, Europe, and Asia on the use of VR in STEM education. Reflecting on the award, he noted:
“I am thankful for this recognition from the Global Online Laboratory Consortium. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work on many VR-STEM projects with collaborators from academia and industry. I’m deeply grateful to the students, collaborators, and team members who made this work possible.”
Call to action:
To explore some of Dr. Chandramouli’s VR/AR education work, visit:
🔗 https://spextra-nsf.org
🔗 https://xreal-xperienz.org
🔗 https://nsf-maneuver.org
🔗 https://x-cited.org
📧 Contact: magesh@purdue.edu
