Mast Academy NZ, the training centre for trades in the marine, composites, and textiles industries, has released its first VR showcase for the marine industry.
To be used in schools, conferences and on career days, it has been carefully designed to offer a broad overview of the marine and composite sectors in a way that is engaging, realistic and authentic.
“The aim of MAST’s VR showcase is to connect with young people in a fun, entertaining, and informative way,” says Chris van der Hor, Chief Executive Officer of the Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy of New Zealand. “It allows us to showcase our trades - from boat building to finishing, from systems engineering to marina management, from composites to industrial textiles - and potentially attract those who might otherwise have not considered a career in marine or the associated specialised technologies.”
Chris van der Hor says the new VR showcase is a part of MAST’s embrace of “edutainment”, a creative mix of education and entertainment that, until very recently, had only been available at wealthy universities and technology-rich schools.
“In addition to releasing the VR showcase, we are revamping our online learning programmes for apprentices, introducing an exciting new ‘virtually real’ version of learner engagement to the marine industry.”
He says the plan combines problem-solving, understanding, and scenario conceptualisation in a way that appeals to the hands-on apprentices who are used to working in practical working environments.
“Online engagement learning, when done well, allows apprentices or trainees to become more immersed in their training programmes, to be hungry to understand and practice the new skills they are acquiring,” he says. “It also provides greater opportunities to learn new skills for all apprentices, regardless of where they are, what they do daily and what facilities are available to them.
“For example, being able to practice a skill online without damaging expensive equipment or products can be very beneficial, especially for employers!”
In addition to the release of their first VR showcase, MAST is also focusing on those who might not find conventional learning appealing. For example, the use of highly-engaging digital tools, videos and augmented reality to recreate complex tasks, like dissecting an engine to study its parts.
This combination of real-world experience and online study is proving a game-changer for the learning process and, according to Chris van der Hor, is just the start.
“VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technologies are being integrated into all our workbooks and training resources and we are introducing interactive quizzes and 3D models for pre-assessment tasks and tests.
“This pioneering, blended delivery approach (combining work-based learning, online education and campus-based practical training) will enable us to create a more knowledgeable workforce, ensuring a future filled with viable and profitable businesses for our marine and composites industries.”
ends.
For more information, please contact:
Lesley Southwick
Quality Assurance and Programme Development Manager
Marine and Specialised Technologies Academy of New Zealand
Phone: 09 360-0056
Mobile: 022 601-9225
Email: lesley.southwick@mastacademy.com
Website: mastacademy.com.
