RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Virtual reality, or VR, was first imagined in a fictional setting by author Stanley G. Weinbaum in 1935. In his book “Pygmalion’s Spectacles,” he wrote about a pair of goggles created by the fictional character Albert Ludwig. When worn, these goggles transported the user into an immersive experience that felt like a real-life movie, allowing them to see, touch, and smell beyond their actual surroundings. A lot has changed since that early depiction of VR nearly 90 years ago.

It wasn’t until 2012 that accessible and affordable VR devices became available for real-world applications, such as in school classrooms. Locally, Murfreesboro City Schools fully utilized realistic VR tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing virtual field trips to students instead of traditional in-person excursions… That was Murfreesboro City Schools Communication Specialist Torri Carr (recorded in a past interview).

In the world of law enforcement, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Rodgers is now moving into year two of a three year study on VR training programs for police departments… Rodgers is working on the study with Dr. Ben Stickle, a former police officer and current Criminal Justice professor at MTSU.

To undertake the task, Stickle co-authored a grant with Rodgers through the Bureau of Justice. The grant, titled “Virtual Reality De-Escalation, Evidence-Based Training Program,” will utilize nearly $700,000 in funding to cover the high-tech costs that could ultimately transform the way law enforcement conducts training worldwide.

One of the most interesting and realistic aspects of the VR training for police officers is not only the element of surprise but also how immersive and lifelike the VR software and devices feel for the user... MTSU is contributing to the grant, allocating $315,000 toward the program. Reports indicate that the three-year study is now entering its second year.

Again, reports indicate the three-year study is heading into year two.

In an unrelated grant that also involves Virtual Reality,  Middle Tennessee State University is managing $550,000 in federal funding to help six rural Tennessee libraries use VR technology for career training.

At the start of the program some 12-months ago, librarians from the rural libraries visited MTSU for training on how to use the VR simulations to help people in their communities explore job opportunities. The project focuses on adults who need career guidance, including veterans, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and seniors, all at no cost.

Researchers at the university are studying how virtual reality in libraries can improve job skills and career success for people with limited access to resources. The goal is to share the results widely and create a model that other libraries across the country can use for workforce development. The results of the special program that is funded through grant money, will be made available shortly after the 3-year period is concluded, which should be in late 2026 or early 2027.