Georgian College

Rob Theriault

Rob Theriault, immersive technology manager at Georgian College in Ontario, Canada, has transformed a distinguished 35-year career in paramedicine into a pioneering role in educational technology. Previously a critical care flight paramedic and educator, Rob introduced virtual reality to the paramedic program, reshaping traditional training methods. Recognized for his innovative contributions, he now leads the integration of VR and emerging technologies across Georgian College’s seven campuses.

Holding a master’s in educational technology from the University of British Columbia, Rob is celebrated as a global thought leader in XR. He earned the Nextant Global Educator prize from the virtual world society. A published author, researcher, and international speaker, he continues to redefine education, showing that learning can be as immersive and dynamic as the technology itself.

Pioneering Online Tutoring at Georgian College

At Georgian College, we’re on the brink of something big. As the Immersive Technology Manager, I’ve witnessed the rapid evolution of education, and I’m excited to share how we’re paving a new path in online tutoring. Imagine a world where learning occurs in fully immersive, interactive spaces, where AI meets XR (extended reality) to create dynamic and personal experiences. This is what we’re building.

“In these environments, students feel a sense of presence, as though they’re right there in the moment. XR provides a kind of learning that taps into the senses, making lessons memorable.”

A Journey into Extended Reality

Our exploration of XR began in 2018 when we integrated virtual, mixed, and augmented reality across programs such as Architectural Technology, Indigenous Studies, and English for Academic Purposes. In these environments, students feel a sense of presence, engaging with the material in memorable ways. XR allows students to interact, explore, and discover rather than passively receive information. Whether architecture students navigate 3D models or language students converse with avatars, XR adds depth to learning that a traditional classroom cannot provide.

Transforming AI into a Conversational Tutor

Generative AI is impressive but typically limited to providing static answers. The challenge lies in turning this one-way communication into a two-way conversation. We want our AI tutors to engage students, prompting them to think critically about what they know and still need to learn. We aim to create an AI that teaches through conversation, fostering curiosity and critical thinking rather than merely delivering answers.

Bringing the Vision to Life with Intelligent Tutoring

We’re developing an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) unlike anything students have seen to realize this vision. Picture a student wearing smart glasses with AI software that mirrors their perspective. When they point to an anatomical model, the AI explains the function and challenges them with follow-up questions. This system ties directly to course outlines and reliable data, keeping learning accurate yet personalized. This creates a dialogue that reinforces course material while encouraging curiosity.

Total Immersion in Virtual Reality

This is just the beginning. Our ultimate goal is to expand this experience into complete XR, transitioning students from one-on-one conversations in AR to fully immersive, hands-on VR experiences. Imagine a student discussing anatomy with the AI and then stepping into a virtual hospital room, facing an AI-generated patient on a ventilator, with the AI guiding them through understanding the patient’s symptoms. It’s about experiencing learning in an engaging, realistic way that activates multiple senses.

The Urgency of Innovation

The rapid growth of XR and AI is both daunting and exciting. We are in an era where colleges must keep pace to meet the needs of a new generation of learners. The pandemic demonstrated how quickly the world can change; suddenly, classes moved online. If we embrace these tools and their potential now, we can avoid waiting for the next global crisis to spur action. We can prepare students to think critically, solve problems, and engage with material in ways that extend beyond lectures and PowerPoints.

Blending Technology with Traditional Learning

While human interaction connecting with instructors and peers is invaluable, XR and AI can enhance this experience, enriching traditional models. Students thrive in a blended approach, where immersive, interactive tools augment in-person learning. We’re not trying to create robots but nurturing curious, adaptable thinkers ready to navigate a complex world.

Building a Future of Exploration and Growth

At Georgian College, we’re unlocking the potential of XR and AI in education. I’m excited to see where this journey leads us, not only as educators but also as learners. We are creating a future where online tutoring isn’t merely an alternative to in-person learning; it’s a new realm of exploration, curiosity, and growth. This is the future of education, and I’m proud to be part of it.