Eaton Theater (Room 1208), Knight Hall
Philip Merrill College of Journalism
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
April 14, 2016
Additional media: Photos
There has been an explosion of interest in virtual reality as a tool for storytelling, learning and exploring the world in new, immersive ways. These range from the “The Displaced” – a New York Times story bringing viewers inside the lives of three children in some of the most desperate places on the planet – to a University of Maryland project allowing viewers to be present in the operating room as surgeons race to save a gunshot victim in Baltimore. Other tools offer new ways of understanding the world through images that break the bounds of visible light and the creation of time-lapse sequences from thousands of disparate photos culled from the Web. These and other cutting-edge developments were presented and discussed in a program organized by the University of Maryland’s Future of Information Alliance.
Three leading innovators presented their work and talked about what they see ahead:
- Graham Roberts, senior editor for graphics at the New York Times
- Dan Russell, Google’s “director of user happiness” and the FIA’s Future-ist in Residence
- Amitabh Varshney, director of the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
The program was moderated by Leslie Walker, Visiting Professor in Digital Innovation at UMD’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism and the former editor of washingtonpost.com.
The program was introduced by FIA co-directors Ira Chinoy and Allison Druin. Lucy Dalglish, Dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, welcomed everyone and talked about the rising importance of virtual reality in journalism.
Knight Hall (building #417) is located in section B-9 of the campus map. Anyone may park in Lots 1, JJ3, or Z after 4pm (no permit required). Please refer to the campus map for additional parking locations and restrictions.
The program is free. Seating is limited. Please register if you plan to attend.
