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ZHAW-IAP brings Learning & Development into the virtual world
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The Institute of Applied Psychology at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW-IAP) is setting new standards in digital training. With the “Smart Learning Environments: Metaverse” project, an immersive learning experience was created that familiarizes employees with the possibilities of the metaverse in an innovative way. The focus was on collaboration, playful learning and interactive knowledge transfer.
- The challenge: To create an interactive and innovative learning format for training purposes.
- The goal: To enable participants to explore the metaverse in a practical and playful way.
- The implementation: rooomSpaces made it possible to combine three linked virtual spaces to familiarize participants with the topic of the metaverse.
- The result: An enthusiastic group of participants who recognized the potential of the metaverse for modern learning and development processes.
Opening up a new dimension of training
Most companies rely on traditional training methods such as web-based training (WBT) or e-learning. Although these formats are established, they are often not very interactive. Immersive learning spaces, on the other hand, offer a completely new dimension of learning in which participants are actively involved. As part of an extra-occupational certificate program for specialists in the field of Learning & Development, the aim was to test digital learning formats that impart knowledge in a practical and playful way and at the same time generate enthusiasm for innovative technologies.
Web-Based-Training (WBT) – A form of digital learning in which training content is provided via the internet and can be completed individually.
Immersive learning spaces - Virtual learning environments that enable a particularly intensive and realistic learning experience through interactive and three-dimensional design.
The aim was to familiarize employees with innovative concepts that they could later take back to their own companies.
Three linked virtual spaces for a unique learning experience
The existing rooomSpaces template “Smart Learning Island” was used as the basis for the event and customized. The concept was supplemented by two additional interactive rooms:
Smart Learning Island: The central environment where participants could discover content, interact and get to know the metaverse.
Fake Hunter Space: In an escape game format, participants had to analyze AI-generated content, debunk fake news and solve riddles in order to crack a code. As a reward, they were given a 3D object that participants could project into their own environment using AR to take a souvenir photo.
Interstellar Island: Here, the participants discovered the legendary “DeLorean” from “Back to the Future” in AR. The aim was to examine the virtual car and decipher the date of the time travel in order to link digital and analog experiences.
Augmented Reality (AR) – A technology that superimposes digital content such as 3D models or information onto the real environment, for example using smartphones or AR glasses.
In addition, interactive features such as avatars, chat functions, emojis and collaborative tools like Miro, for online whiteboards, were used to create a dynamic and entertaining learning experience.
The technical implementation was carried out using the existing rooomSpaces platform. The learning content was developed and made available in the IAP certificate course CAS BO, while rooom provided the digital environments. In addition, the video chat tool Zoom was used for breakout sessions.
Solution used: rooomSpaces
rooomSpaces is a browser-based platform for creating interactive 3D environments. It enables companies to design training courses, events and virtual learning spaces without special hardware or software knowledge. Intuitive editing functions allow rooms to be customized and enriched with interactive elements. The platform also offers easy integrations for collaboration tools such as online whiteboards and video chat tools to create seamless learning and exchange opportunities.
User journey - how the virtual training went
The participants were actively involved in advance: Divided into groups, they independently created content that was later placed in the virtual spaces. This ensured that the participants engaged with the content before the event and encouraged exploratory learning.
On the day of the event, the experience began with an introduction to the metaverse. First, the participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their avatars - from movement and gestures to communication with others. They then began exploring the virtual spaces: on the Smart Learning Island, they moved around freely, discovered content and shared their findings.
In the Deep Fake Space, the focus was on media literacy: participants learned how to debunk fake news and critically scrutinize AI images. Using the escape game principle, they had to decipher codes in order to leave the space - an entertaining way to impart knowledge in a fun way. As a reward, they received an AR experience that they could capture with a photo.
Another highlight was the Interstellar Island, where participants examined the AR model of the “DeLorean” from “Back to the Future”. Here they had to decipher the date on the dashboard - a creative task that combined real and digital elements and showed how augmented reality (AR) can be used to impart knowledge.
At the end, all participants came together to reflect on their experiences. In a joint discussion, the experiences were evaluated and possible applications for their own company were discussed.
Learning in the metaverse as a game changer
Thanks to the flexible rooom platform, existing virtual spaces could be customized. The solution was completely browser-based, required no additional hardware and offered intuitive user guidance. The combination of gamification (the use of playful elements in learning processes), AR integration and social learning (learning through interaction with others) has created an immersive learning environment that surpasses traditional learning formats in terms of interactive and collaborative learning.
Find out more about interactive learning spaces with rooom and help shape the future of digital learning!
Future prospects for metaverse learning
The Metaverse offers innovative opportunities for digital training. The combination of augmented reality, gamification and interactive learning spaces takes the learning experience to a new level. The ZHAW intends to continue the format next year. There are also plans to offer participating companies their own personalized virtual learning spaces in the future. The positive response shows that companies should increasingly rely on immersive technologies - not only in continuing education, but also in onboarding and employer branding.
About the ZHAW
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is one of Switzerland's leading universities with a strong focus on practical research and professional training. The Institute of Applied Psychology offers specialized programs for education managers and learning & development managers. Through innovative teaching methods such as the Metaverse, the ZHAW creates modern learning environments for companies worldwide.
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