EMERGENT TECHNOLOGY WORK GROUP - ED TECH REVIEWS
Fusion Lab @ Lane Community College
by Mel Stark
Faculty/Instructional Designer
Academic Support and Innovation Division
Lane Community College
Nov 6th, 2025
The Fusion Lab at Lane Community College officially opened in Fall 2024, with an initial focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy and exploration.
Fusion Lab: The Standard classroom with desktop computers was replaced with tables and chairs that can move to create different environments depending on the session’s focus.
Project Overview
During its first phase, the lab hosted workshops, discussions, and open exploration sessions designed to enhance faculty and student understanding of AI tools, including ChatGPT, Notebook LM, Google’s Gemini, and other emerging applications. The goal was to foster literacy and confidence in using AI for teaching and learning.
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With the support of the OCCDLA Emergent Technology Exploration Grant, the Fusion Lab has now expanded its scope to include exploration of AR/XR/VR technologies within the learning environment. Using the grant funds, we purchased four Quest 3 headsets and one pair of Virtue XR glasses. This new phase of the lab’s work encourages discovery and creative application of immersive technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and engagement. Collaboration with the IT department and the Academic Technology Center (ATC) has been essential in setting up and managing the new equipment. Outreach to other departments is now underway to build interdisciplinary interest and participation.
VR Clinical Labs: Nursing students using VR for the first time as they go through a clinical exercise, supervised by the instructor.
Lessons Learned
One of the most significant challenges has been the wait time involved in processing and configuring new equipment. Our IT staff is small, and this fall term, we experienced a five-week delay in receiving the headsets back from IT. This slowed the development of exploratory workshops for faculty and staff but also provided insight into the need for better planning and scheduling when implementing new technologies.
Despite these delays, faculty and students have expressed genuine excitement about the opportunities the Fusion Lab is creating. The Nursing program, for example, has purchased Quest 3 headsets for use in clinical labs. We are now discussing ways for the Fusion Lab to support their efforts, such as providing orientation sessions for students to learn how to use the equipment before entering their clinical environments.
Fusion Lab: An AI-generated mockup of the lab as we envision students and faculty exploring VR and XR environments
Faculty interest is strong, though many have little prior experience with immersive technology. This has highlighted the importance of scaffolded training and structured support to help educators gain confidence and find meaningful ways to integrate these tools.
Next Steps and Future Plans
The Fusion Lab intends to continue expanding its work in emerging technologies. Our next goal is to seek additional grant funding to increase our inventory of exploratory tools and software for faculty and staff use. We are also sponsoring a student club focusing on exploring emerging technologies and AI, which will play a key role in understanding how students are using these technologies and what applications are most meaningful to them in their learning.
In addition, we are reaching out to programs that have already shown interest or begun integrating new technologies into their curriculum. The goal is to identify ways the Fusion Lab can support their initiatives and provide shared resources for exploration. As we continue to expand these partnerships and explore the potential of emerging technologies, the Fusion Lab is evolving into a creative and collaborative space that encourages curiosity and experimentation.
Through ongoing faculty engagement and student participation, we are building a culture of innovation that supports both teaching excellence and meaningful learning experiences. The OCCDLA grant provided the essential foundation to move this vision forward, and we look forward to sharing our progress as the Fusion Lab grows into a hub for exploration, discovery, and connection at Lane Community College.
TECHNOLOGY EXPLORATION
Do you have an emergent technology you would like to explore? Submit your nomination for a technology evaluation by the OCCDLA Emergent Technology Workgroup.
The OCCDLA Emergent Tech Work Group receives nominations for instructional technology review from work group members and our nomination form, available to all instructors and administrative staff of all Oregon Community Colleges.
Questions?
For questions about the Emergent Technology Work Group:
Administrative Contact:
Monica Marlo
Portland Community College
monica.martinezgallagher@pcc.edu