Located on campus since 2011, CIS Sandbox is best known for its comprehensive peer-led tutoring services and long-running “Topics in Tech” speaker series, in which Bentley alumni share their industry expertise. A technology social learning space. CIS Sandbox collaborates with external partners to explore cutting-edge technologies. This fall, six student tutors partnered with Meta to evaluate the potential of an immersive learning program using virtual reality (VR).
Bentley University is one of only 15 universities in the United States to participate in Meta's U.S. University Program, proud Mark Frydenberg, Founding Director of CIS Sandbox and Distinguished Lecturer in Computer Information Systems (CIS) states. process from start to finish. ” Meta provided each of his program partners with a Quest 2 VR headset and supporting software, as well as access to immersive learning modules from UK-based Bodyswaps. Bodyswaps helps users develop their soft skills (interviewing skills, conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, etc.). Fully immersive VR simulation.
“It was important to me that students lead this project,” Frydenberg explains. “Beyond hands-on experience with VR technology, it was a great opportunity to further develop my project management and communication skills,” he said, along with CIS Sandbox instructor Andre Noonan ’25, an accounting and information technology major. , has named Vincent Paratore '26, a student in the Bentley Honors Program majoring in both economics and artificial intelligence, to lead the program. This is because they both had previous experience with his Meta's Quest. 2 headsets
“My responsibilities include setting up headsets, configuring device management software, teaching other instructors how to use learning modules, and scheduling all testing sessions,” Paratore said, adding that He noted that 150 Bentley students, faculty and staff from across the community participated. For two weeks he participated in CIS sandbox training. “In the test he used the Bodyswaps module, but he wasn't just evaluating the program itself. Rather, we thought of the session as a proof of concept for VR applications in a learning-based environment.”
