Immersive Education and Experimental Teaching Approaches

The Professional Doctorate in Art and Design programme and the MA Art & Design programme at UWTSD Swansea College of Art have been exploring a new era of education this semester by integrating immersive technologies into the teaching and learning experience. 

With a profound commitment to innovation, staff on the MA Art & Design course and the Professional Doctorate in Art and Design programmes are attempting to transcend traditional classroom boundaries.  They have initiated an exploration of immersive education and experimental teaching approaches, collaborating closely with the Digital Creativity and Learning team to devise innovative methods for delivering research modules.

Glyn Jenkins, Digital Experience and Engagement Manager said: “Collaborating with the Professional Doctorate in Art and Design and the MA Art & Design programmes has allowed our team to develop new relationships with academic staff and students, who are keen to experiment with experiential teaching and learning here at UWTSD. By harnessing our immersive capabilities and using our state-of-the-art Immersive Room and VR technology, we are enhancing teaching and learning experiences, pushing the boundaries of traditional education and embracing the future of immersive learning.”

The classes this semester, included students immersing themselves into a range of dynamic digital environments, using virtual reality (VR) technology, augmented reality (AR), and the Immersive Room to explore qualitative research in a more distinct way, fostering creativity and critical thinking in their studies.

Kylie Boon, lecturer on the MA Art and Design and Professional Doctorate in Art and Design programmes said: “As a staff member involved in LEAP this year, I have been dedicated to exploring the integration of immersive technology into the teaching and learning experience, specifically within the realm of research education. The classes this semester mark the initial phase of this type of education on the MA Art & Design and Professional Doctorate in Art & Design programmes.  The application of experiential learning to our research modules has already yielded promising results. By using immersive technologies, students have been able to explore research methodologies and methods with greater creativity, stress-testing various scenarios, and integrating emerging technology into their understanding of applied research.”

Yueyao Hu, lecturer on the MA Art and Design and Professional Doctorate in Art and Design programmes said: “Immersive technology provides a new approach to teaching. By leveraging immersive experiences, we have been able to transport students into dynamic learning environments that transcend traditional teaching methods. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality all offer students unique interactive and personalized learning experiences in modern educational practices. Furthermore, immersive technology transcends geographical boundaries, facilitating remote collaboration and global connectivity. Students can collaborate with peers from around the world, sharing cultural perspectives. Integrating this technology into education not only improves academic outcomes but also equips students to tackle the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world.”

MA Art & Design and the Professional Doctorate in Art & Design will continue to navigate immersive education, it remains committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and excellence in teaching and learning. By embracing emerging technologies and experimental teaching approaches, the teaching on these courses is empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071