May 18, 2022 – Bodyswaps, a provider of immersive learning software that allows learners to practice soft skills in virtual reality (VR) with AI-enabled analytical feedback, has recently announced that over 20 further and higher education institutions in the US, UK, EU and Canada have joined the Immersive Learning Research Program (ILRP), one of the largest research programs to date in Immersive Education, according to the company.
Bodyswaps stated that throughout the six month program, which is running from March-September 2022, over 10,000 learners are expected to trial a range of VR experiences around soft skills such as active listening, providing feedback or answering job interview questions. The program will aim to measure students’ appetite for immersive learning as well as learning performance through behavioral metrics such as decision-making and confidence levels data. The content for the program is provided by Bodyswaps.
“Our aim is to prepare students to be successful in their careers. With the last few years relying on students adapting to the online world, there has never been a greater demand for self-led development of soft skills. Through VR, students will be able to enhance their confidence and try a unique tech-enhanced approach to employability. We’re excited to take part in the program and be pioneers in paving the future of careers-focused immersive education,” said Emma Clarke, Communications & Engagement Manager at the University of Liverpool.
“We’re moving into a new phase for the development of immersive learning. For institutions it’s not about just showcasing innovation anymore, it’s about delivering tangible student outcomes cost-effectively,” explained Christophe Mallet, CEO of Bodyswaps. “For us, the program is about demonstrating how educators and technologists can work hand-in-hand to better prepare students to thrive in the new world of work.”
The company stated that the findings of the research will be published in a publicly available report in January 2023.
The full list of participating institutions includes: Atlantis University (US), Basingstoke College of Technology (UK), Coleg y Cymoedd (UK), George Brown College (CAN), Georgian College (CAN), Jewell Unlimited (US), Lethbridge College (CAN), the London Screen Academy (UK), Sandwell College (UK), South Essex University (UK), University of Exeter (UK), University of Liverpool (UK), University of Suffolk (UK), Wolverhampton City College (UK), Writtle University College (UK), Brag Enterprises (UK), Downe House (UK), Exeter College (UK), Glasgow University (UK) and IE Business School (EU – Spain).
For more information on Bodyswaps and its virtual reality soft skills training solutions, please visit the company’s website.
Image credit: Bodyswaps
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.