Waterloo's EdTech Sandbox offers both a virtual and a physical space for the exploration of educational technology (Edtech).
Waterloo's EdTech Sandbox
Waterloo's EdTech Sandbox provides an online and in-person space for our community to experiment with advanced educational technology. The EdTech Sandbox is accessible to all faculty, staff, and students. We offer a range of unique tools, such as VR headsets, digital whiteboards, and a 3D scanner. The space (LIB 329, known as the Tech Sandbox) can be booked to use our equipment for interactive instruction, class projects, studying, or personal curiosity! Additionally, you can come join us in LIB 329 to participate in several workshops training you to use the technology.
For a complete list of technologies, equipment, and resources available for use and booking, see the Sandbox Resources.
Review the Project Updates below to stay up to date on engagement opportunities and ways to get involved with the EdTech Sandbox.
Workshops/Events Calendar
Sandbox Timeline: Access, Bookings, and More
Accessing the Virtual Space
There are numerous strategic partnerships we are building across campus to establish a strong network of EdTech stakeholders. These partnerships include:
- The use of MS CoPilot
- GenAI Teaching Enablement Project
- Evaluating LEARN Tools
- EdTech Forum: Sign Up
If you're interested in getting involved in any of the projects currently underway in the EdTech Sandbox, either click on the link above to sign up (where applicable) or connect with the EdTech Sandbox Supervisor.
Jump to a list of technologies available through the virtual sandbox space.
Accessing the Physical Space
The current capacity for the EdTech Sandbox is between 24 – 40 participants. To access the physical space, please complete the EdTech Sandbox Intake Form.
Due to the technologies available in the EdTech Sandbox and their learning curves, All staff and faculty must complete the Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard workshop before using the Tech Sandbox for a workshop or class. Training is not required to submit a booking request, but it must be completed prior to the scheduled use. Once training is completed, approved users may sign out the FOB for the space from the Dana Porter Help Desk.
Jump to a list of technologies available through the physical sandbox space.
Training Opportunities
Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop
Part one of the EdTech Sandbox series, this workshop helps instructors build confidence using ViewBoard Interactive displays and the Tech Sandbox classroom design.
Virtual Sandbox
The virtual EdTech Sandbox is a collection of resources, programs, and softwares available for online access. These resources support innovative teaching and learning for instructors and students.
Physical Sandbox
The physical EdTech Sandbox is an alternative learning space to a traditional lecture hall, with moveable furniture to allow for different learning space configurations and various technologies to inspire learning.
Upcoming Workshops
Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop
Part one of the EdTech Sandbox series, this workshop helps instructors build confidence using ViewBoard Interactive displays and the Tech Sandbox classroom design.
Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop
Part one of the EdTech Sandbox series, this workshop helps instructors build confidence using ViewBoard Interactive displays and the Tech Sandbox classroom design.
Virtual Reality in the Classroom: An Introduction for Instructors
In this one-hour hands-on workshop, instructors will be introduced to the Meta Quest 3 VR headsets and explore how virtual reality can support teaching and learning across disciplines.
Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop
Part one of the EdTech Sandbox series, this workshop helps instructors build confidence using ViewBoard Interactive displays and the Tech Sandbox classroom design.
Project Updates
New Pilot Opportunity: Createspace (Feb-April 2026)
Information for University of Waterloo instructors about an upcoming pilot opportunity for of Createspace, a new D2L course design tool. Click the title to learn more about the Createspace pilot and relevant training opportunities.
Temporary site licence permits access to iClicker at no cost to students until August 2026
Temporary site license permits access to iClicker at no cost to students until Auguest 2026.
Attend the Webinar: Interactive Content in LEARN: Creator+ and the Instructor Experience
On April 14, 2025, from 10am-11am EDT, the Teaching Innovation Incubator will be hosting a webinar for interested users to learn more about Creator+ and lessons learned from Waterloo instructors who employed it in a real class setting. Click on the session title for more details. Registration is required.