Builder Spotlight: Broward College

How a Strategic VR Task Force Sparked Innovation Across the Curriculum

Broward College is a model of what’s possible when vision meets execution. It all began when faculty members across departments started exploring how virtual reality could enhance student learning. That early curiosity—sparked by questions around what VR could do and how it might be integrated into classrooms—quickly grew into something much larger.

A Cross-Disciplinary Task Force with a Mission

Recognizing the potential of immersive learning, Broward’s leadership formed a dedicated VR task force. The committee included science professors, deans, instructional designers, in-person and online learning specialists, and the college’s CIO, all under the direction of AVP Michelle Levine. The charge was clear: find a solution that could serve students and faculty alike, without the overhead of building an entire VR platform from scratch.

A Natural Fit with Curio

During early online and in-person presentations, it became clear that there was already alignment—Professor Dr. Russell Betts had independently adopted Curio to teach chemistry. This organic connection laid the groundwork for a deeper collaboration.

Curio then supported Broward’s Professional Development Day, working directly with faculty to gather ideas for high-impact, discipline-specific VR learning modules. The enthusiasm was immediate and the ideas were incredible.

A Broward College student explores learning in VR using Curio

Co-Built Content: Examples from the Ground Up

Working with both faculty and student developers at Broward, we’ve co-developed and prioritized a growing suite of immersive experiences that we are working together on with Broward College (some built by Curio and others built by Broward College student developers):

DNA Experience:
Developed with Professor Daniel Kulangara, this biology-focused module allows students to interact with DNA structures and concepts in VR.
Carbon Building:
A collaborative project with Broward and Miami Dade College faculty that visualizes how basic carbon molecules form and bond—a dynamic chemistry experience.
Math Escape Room:
Created with Professor Kimberly Gwydir, this module adapts her PC-based algebra escape room into VR, blending problem-solving with immersive navigation.
Geodesic Domes:
Under the direction of Dr. Mitzi Fulwood (iSTEM Director), this module helps students explore the math and engineering behind dome structures.
Accounting Basics:
In partnership with Professor Kalena Armstrong-Henry, this foundational finance module shows how accounting statements evolve with every transaction—an engaging, hands-on way to grasp core principles.
Campus Tour:
Built with Norman Britt, this experience offers a guided, VR-based exploration of Broward’s campus for new and prospective students.

Why Broward Chose Curio

For Broward, the turning point was realizing that Curio offered a scalable, future-proof platform that addressed many of their internal needs—without the cost of developing infrastructure. From AI-driven NPCs and networking to user management and immersive hand-tracking, Curio handled it all. This allowed Broward to focus their time and energy on what mattered most: building meaningful content.

In fact, their internal cost analysis estimated that building on Curio saved them over 80% of typical VR development costs. Plus, because students themselves can build in Curio, it has opened up new opportunities for skill development in computer science and digital media courses.

Collaboration Beyond Content

Broward has also become an integral contributor to the VR Implementation Guide (VRIG). They’ve shared insights into device management—like their dual-network approach, which separates VR hardware from standard WiFi to optimize performance and reduce security concerns.

The Road Ahead

With an expanding library of content, a community of student builders, and a strong relationship built on shared goals, Broward College continues to shape the future of immersive education—not just for their students, but for the wider Curio network.