College Unveils Immersive Classroom for Smarter Working

Employers across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland have identified skills gaps between the classroom and the modern workplace. As a result, funding has been provided by UK Government via both South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire College partnerships as well as an investment from DN Colleges Group to create a collaborative, cross campus training resource for students and educators alike. 

The innovative learning spaces have been installed at both North Lindsey College and Doncaster College, and feature wall-to-wall digital screens, interactive displays, VR Headsets and tracking cameras. 

In partnership with regional employers, the immersive classrooms will deliver virtual ‘on-the-job' experiences, mirroring real-world settings to better prepare students for employment. Employers will benefit from new recruits who are immediately equipped with practical, in-demand skills thanks to hands-on virtual training. 

Immersive technology paves the way for a deeper understanding and hands-on experience in virtual settings. Dan Wilson (Vice Principal of Business, Growth and Partnership) said, “The project aims to increase the number of employers and learners accessing education to meet the vital needs of the local labour market.” 

The classroom was recently put to the test during interactive sessions held by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award lead, Stacey Blackwell. The sessions involved utilising the technology in the classroom to help students with teamwork, friendship groups, social interaction and communication skills, whilst fully engaging the facilities to enhance their college experience. 

Stacey said, “As part of their program, we have a section of the award where I deliver team building and ice breakers using the new digital technology of the immersive classroom. The feedback from the students was very positive and they were blown away by the screen and having the music throughout too. There is a demand for this type of session and technology for the future.” 

Faris Monaghan (19) is a Level 3 Creative Media student and one of the first to experience working in the classroom. Faris said, “It’s an open clear space with a big screen and cutting-edge technology which has created a special and unique learning environment. It has been an opportunity to help us keep up to date with the latest technology and inspires us to be more creative.”