Mast Academy NZ, the training centre for trades in the Marine, Composites and Textiles industries, has released its first virtual reality (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 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.
The plan combines problem solving, understanding and scenario conceptualising in a way that appeals to hands-on apprentices who are used to working in practical working environments.
MAST is using highly engaging digital tools, videos, and augmented reality to recreate complex tasks, like dissecting an engine to study its parts. The combination of real-world experience and online study is proving a game-changer for the learning process and, according to Chris van der Hor.
“VR 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 will enable us to create a more knowledgeable skilled workforce, ensuring a future filled with viable and profitable businesses for our marine and composites industries.”
