The UK’s first college of advanced technology has installed a virtual reality suite to enhance student learning.

Prospects College of Advanced Technology in Essex hopes the equipment will benefit its construction, utilities and infrastructure students, enabling them to test their skills without fear of failure or risk of injury.

The suite recreates a wide variety of scenarios enabling students to be virtually present on site, and allows for observation, evaluation and immediate feedback from tutors.

Ian Rist, an electrical instructor at the college who has already implemented the technology in his lesson plans, said: “The equipment will assist the students in electrical test circuits and installations without the hazards faced in real life.

“It is only when then the students become competent in a VR environment that they can progress to complete the test for real. This will teach learners to a high specification while maintaining health and safety.”

PROCAT is a specialist college, focusing on developing its students to work in the science, technology, engineering and manufacturing industries, and meet industry needs.

 

Featured picture: A student demonstrates the new technology