EdX

How Virtual Reality Works (edX)

How Virtual Reality Works (edX)

Learn how virtual reality technology works by writing simple VR programs with WebVR. Virtual reality is changing the way we interact with the world. But how does it work, what hardware is involved, and how is software written for it?

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In this course, part of the Virtual Reality Professional Certificate program, we will explore the foundations of user-friendly virtual reality app development for consumers, as well as enterprise solutions.
Both hardware and software aspects will be discussed. You will learn to evaluate devices necessary for virtual reality applications, what their differences are, how you write interactive applications for virtual reality, and we will discuss the most frequent problems you are going to need to solve to write virtual reality software.
In this course, you will explore the basics of virtual reality software through copying and modifying JavaScript to explore tradeoffs in VR application design. Extensive programming experience is not required.
By the end of this course, you will understand what is important for successful virtual reality software and learn how to write simple virtual reality programs themselves with WebVR.
This course is taught by an instructor with almost two decades of experience in virtual reality who leads the Immersive Visualization Laboratory at UC San Diego.

What you'll learn

  • Types of virtual reality devices and their strengths and weaknesses
  • How virtual reality applications differ from other interactive software programs
  • What makes a virtual reality application successful
  • What to avoid when writing virtual reality software
  • Basic VR programming using WebVR

Syllabus

Week 1: VR definition and display systems
Week 2: 3D Tracking and Input Devices
Week 3: How to interact with the VR environment
Week 4: How to move around in VR
Week 5: 3D Menus and Text Input
Week 6: VR app design

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

HTML5 Coding Essentials and Best Practices (edX) EdX
World Wide Web Consortium - W3C,W3Cx

HTML5 Coding Essentials and Best Practices (edX)

Learn how to write Web pages and Web sites by mastering HTML5 coding techniques and best practices. HTML5 is the standard language of the Web, developed by W3C. For application developers and industry, HTML5 represents a set of features that people will be able to rely on for years to come. HTML5 is supported on a wide variety of devices, lowering the cost of creating rich applications to reach users everywhere.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
How to Code: Complex Data (edX) EdX
The University of British Columbia,UBCx

How to Code: Complex Data (edX)

Learn how to design more complex programs, using new data structures, abstraction, and generative recursion. As your program requirements get more complex, you will find that simple additions to the design method make it easy to write well-structured and well-tested code that is easy to maintain. By learning how to capture common data and control structures using abstraction, your programs will get shorter and better tested.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Java I: Foundations and Syntax Basics (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Java I: Foundations and Syntax Basics (edX)

Learn the foundational basics of the Java programming language. This course provides an introduction to the Java programming language. It gives students a foundational overview and history of Java, and students will learn about the language’s basic syntax. At the end, they will be able to develop interactive console programs with basic data processing and formatting capabilities.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science (edX) EdX
HarvardX,Harvard University

CS50's Introduction to Computer Science (edX)

An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming. This is CS50, Harvard University's introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience. An entry-level course taught by David J. Malan, CS50 teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Python for Data Science (edX) EdX
University of California, San Diego,UC San DiegoX

Python for Data Science (edX)

Learn to use powerful, open-source, Python tools, including Pandas, Git and Matplotlib, to manipulate, analyze, and visualize complex datasets. In the information age, data is all around us. Within this data are answers to compelling questions across many societal domains (politics, business, science, etc.). But if you had access to a large dataset, would you be able to find the answers you seek?

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Laboratorio di Programmazione (edX) EdX
University of Naples Federico II,FedericaX

Laboratorio di Programmazione (edX)

Impara a risolvere problemi complessi attraverso l'uso del computer e avvicinati alla magia degli algoritmi. Il linguaggio di programmazione è uno degli strumenti che abbiamo per interpretare e risolvere i problemi di tutti i giorni. Un linguaggio che è alla base di problemi comuni, come le previsioni del tempo o l'analisi della deformazione di una struttura di un'auto in un incidente stradale.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing in Python IV: Objects & Algorithms (edX)

Learn about recursion, search and sort algorithms, and object-oriented programming in Python. Complete your introductory knowledge of computer science with this final course on objects and algorithms. Now that you've learned about complex control structures and data structures, learn to develop programs that more intuitively leverage your natural understanding of problems through object-oriented programming. Then, learn to analyze the complexity and efficiency of these programs through algorithms. In addition, certify your broader knowledge of Introduction to Computing with a comprehensive exam.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
LAFF – On Programming for Correctness (edX) EdX
University of Texas at Austin,UTAustinX

LAFF – On Programming for Correctness (edX)

Learn to apply formal methods to systematically develop correct, loop-based programs, an essential skill for computer programmers. Is my program correct? Will it give the right output for all possible permitted inputs? Computers are now essential in everyday life. Incorrect programs lead to frustration in the best case and disaster in the worst. Thus, knowing how to construct correct programs is a skill that all who program computers must strive to master.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Computing for Data Analysis (edX) EdX
Georgia Institute of Technology,GTx

Computing for Data Analysis (edX)

A hands-on introduction to basic programming principles and practice relevant to modern data analysis, data mining, and machine learning. The modern data analysis pipeline involves collection, preprocessing, storage, analysis, and interactive visualization of data. In the course, you’ll see how computing and mathematics come together.

Aug 24th 2026
13-24 Weeks
Programming for Data Science (edX) EdX
University of Adelaide,AdelaideX

Programming for Data Science (edX)

Learn how to apply fundamental programming concepts, computational thinking and data analysis techniques to solve real-world data science problems. There is a rising demand for people with the skills to work with Big Data sets and this course can start you on your journey through our Big Data MicroMasters program towards a recognised credential in this highly competitive area. Using practical activities you will learn how digital technologies work and will develop your coding skills through engaging and collaborative assignments.

Self Paced
Self-Paced