Khon Kaen University Embraces VR Technology

Khon Kaen University has proven its commitment to advancing education by integrating digital technology. This year, Khon Kaen University has successfully organised the “KKU in Memory” virtual exhibition, demonstrating its commitment to advancing education through the integration of digital technology. The event is a testament to the University’s dedication to innovation, offering its diverse audience a seamless and engaging experience.

This innovative showcase utilises virtual reality technology, offering a flashback to the University’s history and significant events over the past six decades. Through video clips from the Archives of Khon Kaen University, the exhibition allows individuals worldwide, including students, staff, alumni, and the general public, to virtually revisit pivotal moments that have shaped the University’s evolution.

Assoc Prof Supat Seenawat, PhD, The director of KKU Library, highlighted that this novel approach enables interested individuals, including KKU alumni dispersed across different regions of Thailand and abroad, to relive the past nostalgically through the virtual exhibition.

Tanyalak Jaroenrom, a fourth-year student from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, expressed her enthusiasm for the virtual exhibition, likening it to a visit to a museum dedicated to Khon Kaen University. She emphasised the value of exploring former locations that no longer exist today.

Tanyalak encouraged current and former students to experience the exhibition, especially praising the “KKU Before & After” segment. This section provides insights into the transformation of present-day locations, such as the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, which was once a field and is now a market area. Tanyalak appreciated the modern decorations in the Library building, noting the University’s environmental development efforts. She found exploring different places and events from the University’s past 60 years exciting and user-friendly.

In the previous report from OpenGov Asia, Khon Kaen University was also dedicated to virtual reality technology. In 2023, Khon Kaen embarked on a virtual transformation to celebrate the rich heritage of Molam culture. This initiative, known as the Molam Metaverse, aims to create a new learning zone accessible through the Metaverse, making culture education more inclusive and widely available. The concept originated from Assistant Prof Sirisak Laichankham, PhD, and aimed to merge technology and culture, fostering inclusivity and introducing Molam to a broader audience. While initially unsure of the project’s viability, he viewed it as an experiment to drive Molam into the digital age, using the platform to explore new concepts and innovations.

The Molam Metaverse represents a digital breakthrough, offering a gateway for newcomers and Molam enthusiasts. Suppose the Molam Metaverse is divided into two zones. In that case, it includes a central hall for observing Molam stages and an exhibition area, while The “KKU in Memory” virtual exhibition comprises six engaging stories accessible through the following links:

1. Yesterday KKU – At: https://kku.world/yesterdaykku
2. KKU Before & After – At: https://kku.world/beforeafter
3. KKU in 60 Years – At: https://kku.world/timeline
4. KKU Freshmen Welcoming – At: https://kku.world/freshmen
5. KKU Graduated Ceremony – At: https://kku.world/graduated
6. KKU Library: History Timeline – At: https://kku.world/kkulib

The virtual exhibition offers a dynamic exploration of KKU’s rich history, covering various aspects such as its transformation, freshmen welcoming traditions, and graduation ceremonies. A dedicated timeline is available for those interested in the evolution of KKU’s library. The exhibition can be accessed directly at https://kku.world/yesterdaykku or through the Spatial App on smartphones.

As KKU continues to embrace digital technology, the “KKU in Memory” virtual exhibition is a testament to the University’s commitment to innovation and providing a seamless, engaging experience for its diverse audience. Whether revisiting fond memories or discovering the evolution of familiar places, this virtual exhibition brings the past to life in a technologically advanced and accessible manner.

This digital initiative is a pioneering effort to engage the current university community and a global audience. By leveraging virtual reality technology, KKU has transformed the traditional concept of a university exhibition into an inclusive, borderless experience. Alumni, students, staff, and the general public, regardless of their geographical location, can immerse themselves in the rich history of KKU through this innovative platform.