A GLIMPSE at future training for tertiary level students was unveiled at the South West Focus conference last week.
The South West Institute of Technology is working with business and technology experts to develop virtual reality platforms which will be a real game changer in people’s lives at work and home.
SWIT manager of business development Chris Mayfield said they are currently working with a digital media industry expert to develop software with Oculus virtual reality headsets.
“Our approach is to take advantage of the wave of commoditised headsets coming in the next 12 months which will be relatively inexpensive and widely accessible,” he said.
“Another area we are actively investigating is how to create virtual environments by using a person’s own smart phone with goggles to make the technology even more accessible.”
South West Institute of Technology managing director Duncan Anderson said the virtual reality platforms was the way forward to avoid needing to build new infrastructure for on campus learning in the South West.
He proposed that the technology would allow for a wider range of courses to be run and reach international audiences.
“We can really concentrate on honing in on the markets which are unique to this region, for example agriculture and wine making and running courses which will attract people to the region,” he said.
Students will be at an advantage using this new technology because virtual learning is already proven to enhance students’ engagement with their course material, Mr Mayfield said.
“The generation of students coming through already demonstrate their learning is improved through visual means and technology,” he said.
“Virtual learning will never take over from practical skills based training in apprenticeships but could assist in theory components.
“Virtual reality platforms will outperform online learning because it offers a higher level of engagement whether it is for personal learning, with a lecturer or class – that can be used remotely from home or a workplace.”
Mr Mayfield said technology will arrive sooner than most people currently realise and in the next 12 months new digital media courses will be delivered.
“Digital media animation courses will be the first to use the virtual learning headsets,” he said.
A Digital Media Diploma will be available for students in Margaret River and Bunbury in about 12 months time.
For more information visit the SWIT website
