Modelling Practical Skills in Virtual Reality
Date: Friday, 5th March
Venue: Jewel & Esk College (Midlothian Campus)
This free half-day event is aimed at staff interested in innovation, simulation, and the feasibility of using such technology for learning. Examples will be drawn from the subject area of building, construction and trades.
The event brings together speakers from the SQA, Skills2Learn and VIBE – three organisations which are currently exploring the use of virtual reality to enhance teaching, learning and assessment. There’s also a chance to hear from the College of North West London who have been using the technology with their students.
Starting off with lunch (available through kind sponsorship by Skills2Learn) where you’ll have the chance to meet fellow delegates and talk with presenters, the day will consist of presentations and hands-on sessions that will allow you to see for yourself how students can benefit from the technology on offer..
Hosted at the new Jewel & Esk College Midlothian Campus, spaces are limited (40), so make sure to register early! Parking is available at the college, as well as good public transport links.
Click here to register your place
The SQA have been offering games-based assessment since last August in selected Skills for Work courses, with more to follow in coming years. This kind of assessment allows candidates to enter a simulated workplace environment and perform simulated tasks to demonstrate key competencies required.
Skills2Learn has worked with partners to provide practical training and assessments in areas such as plumbing, gas plumbing, solar energy, construction, and renewable energy. Their innovative e-Learning programmes are fully interactive, and make full use of audio, video, text and 2D/3D environments.
The SSAT and University of Salford have developed VIBE – 3D virtual worlds with a range of teaching resources for a range of subjects including, engineering and construction & the built environment. The VIBE editor allows practitioners to supplement existing tasks, resources and content with their own material.
The full programme, including details of all of the presentations and hands-on sessions, will be available by the end of the week.
Programme
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Introduction – JISC RSC Scotland N&E |
| 13:10 | Presentations |
| 1. Why learning needs to be immersive | |
| Majid Al Kader, Skills2Learn | |
| 2. TBA | |
| VIBE | |
| 14:00 | Refreshments |
| 14:10 | Hands-on |
| a. Skills2Learn Demonstration | |
| b. VIBE Demonstration | |
| 15:00 | Presentations |
| 3. Effective Use of Virtual Technologies in Learning | |
| Mhairi Macalpine, SQA | |
| 4. VR Simulation at CNWL | |
| Martin Biron, College of North West London | |
| 15:50 | Closing |
| 16:00 | End |
