East College Durham recently partnered with Vantec Interactive Experience (VIE) to provide two state-of-the-art immersive training classrooms, at its campuses at Peterlee, and Houghall, County Durham.
VIE uses gamification and the latest in 3D, immersive and simulation technology, to provide unique and intuitive training solutions, replicating real-life environments and scenarios.
Jackie Lanagan, Assistant Principal at East Durham College, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Vantec, their product offered something unique that we felt our students and staff would benefit from.
"Vantec being a local supplier was also an advantage, sustainability is important to us and our students and choosing a local firm has helped reduce our carbon footprint, delivery time and costs.
"We are extremely impressed with the software used to support the immersive rooms, it is so intuitive, that teachers can produce content very easily.
"I’m sure they will have a transformative effect on the students who get to learn in the new suites. I can’t wait to see the impact they have."
The immersive classrooms provide additional learning environments where students studying a range of programmes, including T Level and vocational subjects, can learn in interactive and realistic environments.
The immersive suites use state-of-the-art 360-degree and 270-degree interactive technology to provide multi-sensory learning. Students can step into a virtual environment, where every detail is fully replicated to provide multi-sensory and safe tuition. This method can be more effective than a traditional classroom environment, in both engagement and information retention.
Martin Kendall, Managing Director of Vantec Europe Limited (VEU), said: "We’re delighted to be working with East Durham College to deliver two immersive suites that will enhance the educational experience of learners.
"Students will benefit from hands-on experiences in scenarios that mirror real-life situations, helping develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and promoting a deeper understanding; all of which help to prepare students for the world of work."
Any scenario can be repeated as many times as a student requires in order to master the skill or learning objective – this eliminates the fear of making a mistake and creates a safe learning experience.
Staff will benefit too as the room will also be utilised for staff training.
Martin added: “We know from our own digitally immersive training, that we have developed, how much more engaged our employees are and how much more they get from the training.
