Students at Solihull College & University Centre’s Woodlands Campus are enjoying the benefits of 360-degree simulations thanks to a new state-of-the-art immersive classroom.
The room allows students to enter environments they wouldn’t typically get the chance to experience. Motor Vehicle students have been getting involved using the virtual car manufacturing facility. They can interact with the robot arms, receive information and ask questions, all while it’s moving like a real facility. Students receive vital experience, all from the safety of the immersive space.
Students from all courses are reaping the benefits of room. Assistant Principal for STEM, John Duffy, says it’s a great asset: “These real-world simulations really bring the curriculum to life. It covers the visuals, smells, lighting, sound and even feel with the wind machine. Learners can interact with the screens via motion sensing and get engaged into a space.
“It helps bridge the gap between theory and practice and makes the concepts covered through a different lens. It caters for all different learning styles and really builds confidence in their chosen field. Another good example is a hospital ward. You can simulate a patient lying in bed with the machines all on. It can give live scenarios such as the patient’s heart rate is increasing, what do you do? The learners can interact with the machine and take readings and make decisions in real-time. Through this project we are hoping to boost engagement in the technical areas and really develop students’ employability skills.”
The immersive classroom was funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to help bridge the digital skills gap.
