Caldwell University Opens Virtual Reality Learning Space to Deepen Student Engagement in Science and STEM

CALDWELL, N.J., September 16, 2026 – Caldwell University today held a ribbon cutting ceremony to open a new immersive learning space on the second floor of the University library, bringing the Dreamscape Learn immersive virtual reality (VR) learning platform to Caldwell students for the first time.

Housed in the library rather than a single academic building, the space is available to departments across campus. VR-enabled coursework begins this fall with plans to expand into additional disciplines as new content is developed.

"Education needs to be active, not passive, and this new space brings that vision to life," said Caldwell University President Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D. "Our partnership with Dreamscape Learn allows students across all disciplines to step directly into what they're studying. We couldn't be more excited to bring this level of innovation to campus."

The ribbon cutting was followed by a reception on the library's newly renovated second floor. Dreamscape Learn combines a student-centered approach, 360-degree motion-capture technology, and advanced haptics, which use vibration and other physical stimuli to simulate touch, to create a fully immersive learning experience.

Dreamscape Learn is a collaborative venture between Dreamscape Immersive and Arizona State University, combining the emotional power of Hollywood storytelling with advanced educational science and experiential learning. The technology allows students to engage in hands-on learning in core disciplines by moving beyond traditional textbooks and into experiential, cinematic environments.

"Great storytelling has always been how people make sense of the world, and immersive technology lets us put students inside the story," said Josh Reibel, CEO of Dreamscape Learn. "That's when abstract ideas become real, and when learning starts to stick. Caldwell has made these experiences available to every school on campus, and we're excited to partner with them to set an example for institutions across New Jersey and the New York region."

Since launching in 2022 in collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), Dreamscape Learn's immersive "Biology in the Alien Zoo" course has been used in introductory biology classes reaching more than 28,000 ASU students. Research at ASU found that students performed better in courses that integrated this new approach to teaching and learning, with participants nearly two times more likely to achieve an A grade. This success has led ASU to fully transition its introductory biology labs to the Dreamscape Learn platform.

The Dreamscape Learn VR Lab is open to the public through registration. If you have a group interested in booking a session, please contact Beth Gorab, AVP for University Communications & Chief of Staff at BGorab@caldwell.edu