In February 2026, the Digital Scholarship Lab (DSL) partnered with Dr. Jisun Lee to bring immersive media production into PDC 491 – Special Topics in Planning, Design and Construction: Virtual Reality Application in Interior Design. This collaboration was made possible through a Catalyst Grant from MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), which supports faculty in developing innovative digital learning experiences.
This grant enabled the DSL to acquire ten Insta360 X5 camera kits, expanding campus access to 360 media tools. With this equipment, students in PDC 491 explored how immersive visualization technologies can deepen spatial awareness, supporting reflective design thinking.
Responding to the prompt, “A Place That Represents Me,” students produced short 360 videos featuring personally meaningful locations within the MSU Main Library. Students presented their videos in the 360 Room, sharing why the spaces resonated with them, highlighting the emotions or spatial qualities embodied by the space.
To support the learning goals of the class, the DSL team worked closely with Dr. Lee to develop class-specific workshops and training materials. In addition to introducing the cameras to the students, the DSL team led a short training session on editing the videos in Insta360 Studio. Through structured scaffolding, students produced immersive video projects, building foundational skills in media literacy and digital storytelling.
Through CTLI’s Catalyst Grant, the collaboration between the DSL and PDC 491 demonstrates how immersive technologies can be meaningfully embedded into course design to enhance student engagement, creativity, and digital competency. The DSL continues to expand its support for immersive media creation across campus. Instructors interested in incorporating immersive digital storytelling into future courses are encouraged to reach out for a consultation.