Mr. Shirdi Ali engaged with VR content at the STA CETL Tech Meet

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Thursday, February 29, 2024—In a groundbreaking initiative led by Dr. Justin Zephyrine, Faculty Development Specialist, the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus celebrated the successful launch of its inaugural “Tech-Meet” on February 21, 2024. This event marked a significant advancement for CETL, showcasing transformative technologies to redefine teaching and learning practices.

A key session during the event highlighted the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into higher education was presented by Mrs Karen Rosemin, Head of Digital Learning Innovation (DLI) Unit, The UWI Global Campus, and Mr Riaz Baldeo, Digital Strategist, DLI, Unit. This presentation demonstrated how these immersive technologies could seamlessly integrate into various academic disciplines, offering faculty members and instructors a novel approach to pedagogy.

Innovative Teaching Technologies

This event featured an engaging demonstration of high-quality 3D objects and digital twins, providing educators with the tools to design self-directed lessons that place students in realistic learning scenarios. This innovative approach fosters increased student engagement and comprehension while significantly reducing training times and alleviating anxiety, particularly in practical learning environments. By creating a more relaxed atmosphere, students are better able to grasp complex concepts and apply them effectively in real-life contexts. Additionally, attendees were exposed to online repositories, enabling the creation of rich, interactive lessons without the need for extensive coding knowledge or technical expertise, using Generative AI. This shift democratizes access to educational technology, allowing instructors to customize content according to their specific teaching needs.

Enhancing Learning Experience

The demonstration also emphasized the importance of developing soft skills, such as leadership and communication, through role-playing exercises in realistic virtual environments. This method enables students to practice and refine essential skills in a controlled setting, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world.

Future Prospects and Continued Innovation

The success of the “Tech-Meet” has set a new standard for teaching excellence. It has also opened the door to exciting future integrations of immersive technologies within the university’s curriculum. This collaborative effort between the CETL and The UWI Global Campus highlights this shared vision, and together, they aim to use immersive learning technologies to enhance educational experiences across various faculties. 

This initiative aligns with UWI’s mission to stay at the forefront of educational innovation. It underscores the university’s continuous search for ways to improve the teaching and learning experience. The UWI Global Campus’ Digital Learning Innovation team is committed to harnessing the power of technology to transform education, ensuring that educators and students are equipped to meet the demands of the evolving academic landscape.