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.
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:
- VR Headsets to virtually attend lectures, captured via 360 cameras
- The use of MS CoPilot in grading student assessments
- Evaluating LEARN Tools, specifically Creator+ and Performance+
- Evaluating polling tools such as iClicker and Vevox
- EdTech Forum: Sign Up
- Investigation of the management and administration of VR Headsets
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 by completing the EdTech Sandbox Intake Form.
Jump to a list of technologies available through the virtual sandbox space.
Accessing the Physical Space
The Sandbox's physical space is currently under construction with an anticipated launch date of Friday, October 24, 2025. In anticipation of its launch, we've been developing processes for prospective users interested in using our EdTech and booking out the Sandbox space. Information about how to access the Physical Sandbox space will be published to our website once it is available. Please stay tuned. In the meantime, submit your queries about the sandbox by completing the EdTech Sandbox Intake Form.
Jump to a list of technologies available through the physical sandbox space.
Training Opportunities
TII5010 Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop - 5/5/2026, 2:30 to 4:00 pm EST
The above trainings are open for registration, come join us for a deeper understanding of the Tech Sandbox technology!
Virtual Sandbox
The virtual EdTech Sandbox is a collection of resources, programs, and softwares available for 24/7 online access from anywhere. These resources will 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.
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.