UWTSD launches new Immersive LED Rooms
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has launched its innovative, state-of-the-art immersive rooms, providing students and partners with world leading learning spaces which transform education.
Emlyn Dole, Chair-Designate, UWTSD Council, Helen Morgan-Rees, Director of Education, Swansea Council, Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor, Cll Mike Day, Lord Mayor of Swansea, Mike Hedges, MS, Prof Elena Rodrigues-Falcon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The Venerable Randolph Thomas, Chair of UWTSD Council
Working with AV partner, IDNS, and part funded by the Higher Education Council Funding Wales (HEFCW), the first new learning spaces of their kind in Wales are situated in the University’s Carmarthen and Swansea campuses. The Immersive Rooms utilise the latest Samsung LED screens across three walls creating a fully immersive virtual and augmented reality user experience.
The Swansea launch at the University’s Y Fforwm building was attended by Swansea Lord Mayor Councillor Mike Day, Mike Hedges, MS, M Helen Morgan-Rees, Director of Education, Swansea Council, industry representatives and the University’s staff.
Officially opening the room, Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice Chancellor of UWTSD said: “This technology is the first of its kind in Wales and attests to the University’s willingness to push boundaries and to invest in the future. I am grateful to colleagues, to Samsung, Igloo Vision and ISDN for their work in developing this technology to support the academic, research and commercial work of the University. University education is changing, and we must ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place to support our students, employers and the communities we serve.”
The learning spaces allow students to experience immersive virtual reality, 360° videos and images and applications through partner, Igloo Vision’s immersive software.
Immersive learning is a hugely effective way for many learners to develop their knowledge and skills. It provides artificial, digitally created content and environments that accurately replicates real life scenarios so that new skills and techniques can be learned and perfected. Learners aren’t simply passive spectators; they get to be active participants who directly influence outcomes. It also offers a risk-free and safe space where learning can be repeated, and success can be accurately measured.
Chris Rees, Executive Head of Digital Creativity and Learning at UWTSD said: “Immersive learning can be hugely beneficial to a learner’s development, enriching their knowledge base and practical skills.
“These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with 18 meters of LED screens, providing a fully immersive experience for students. With a cost of over £1 million, this investment in technology demonstrates our commitment to providing students with the best learning experience possible. Whether it be virtual field trips, simulations or interactive lessons, the rooms will allow students to engage with the material in a new and exciting way.”
James Cale, UWTSD’s Director of Digital Services said: “Through immersive spaces, we are able to revolutionise the way students learn, by providing them with an interactive, engaging, and memorable educational experience that brings the curriculum to life.
“Implementing immersive spaces in education not only enhances the students’ engagement and motivation but also allows them to experience and interact with the curriculum in a more meaningful and memorable way. This approach allows for more hands-on and experiential learning, which research has shown to be more effective in promoting long-term retention of information.
“The use of immersive technology such as virtual and augmented reality, allows students to explore and learn about subjects and concepts that would be otherwise difficult or impossible to replicate in a traditional classroom setting. At the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, we are excited to be at the forefront of this innovative approach to learning, utilizing immersive spaces to enhance the student learning experience and prepare them for the future.”
Laura Mills of Igloo said:
Igloo Vision is proud to have worked alongside University of Wales Trinity Saint David, IDNS and Samsung to deliver the first LED immersive space in Wales. Using Igloo Vision’s immersive software and the latest Samsung LED technology, the space will offer engaging experiences for staff, students, and visitors.
“An Igloo immersive space is a bit like stepping into a giant VR headset - except you can get whole groups inside. Igloo designs and develops the technology that can make any space an immersive one. Any kind of digital content, including immersive virtual reality, 360° videos and images and daily office tools can be shared with whole groups in one of these spaces, so University of Wales Trinity Saint David has unlimited opportunities for what it can do with its Immersive Room.”
Vicky Jennings, Technology Consultant at IDNS said : “IDNS is proud to be delivering the first LED immersive space in Wales at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. By delivering the 18-metre immersive space using the latest Samsung LED technology, users will have a visual and sensory experience brought to life through unparalleled visuals and immaculate detail.
“This ground-breaking development sparks a new era in collaboration and engagement at the university and attests to their forward-thinking approach to using digital technologies that enhance the learning experience.”
For more information and a sneak peak of what the rooms will look like, please go to our website. We can’t wait for you to experience it!