Central Queensland University has embarked on a project that looks at embracing 3D technologies used in modern gaming and virtual experiences for use in state-of-the-art university teaching.

CQU, in collaboration with the University of Southern Queensland, has received a Carrick grant for the project titled: Seamless integration of Web3D technologies with university curricula to engage the changing student cohort.

With the CQU participation led by David Jones, the project looks at applications of immersive 3D technologies that are increasingly prevalent in the popular media such as the Second Life storyline used by CSI: New York and its creation of a virtual online experience accessible through CBS's website; or South Park's use of World of Warcraft in an episode which won the animation an Emmy award.

The grant seeks to undertake a series of projects to integrate the use of these technologies into learning and teaching.

"In particular, the grant seeks to understand how these technologies can be used to engage the perceived changes in the students coming to universities now and into the future," explained Jones.

Mr Jones said through this work, it is hoped the collaborators will gain a better understanding of the context, tools and strategies that best enable the effective and efficient integration of immersive 3D technologies into learning and teaching.

"We're particularly interested in whether or not such applications are seen to be more engaging for the next generation of students."

A presentation will be held at CQU Rockhampton this Friday, November 2, from 1 to 2pm, providing an overview on the possibilities offered by this technology. It should provide discussion on different approaches. The presentation will be video-conferenced to Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg.