A deep dive into new digital learning experiences

The University’s academic schools were invited to apply for HEFCW–funded digital Teaching and Learning grants to support an innovative project that would improve the staff and student experience. Six grants were awarded and these enabled several enhancements to digital teaching.

Exploring new and innovative simulation techniques

During the pandemic, the provision of our teaching methods was challenged, as we adapted to the changing environment. We started to explore new and innovative simulation techniques that could increase engagement with our midwifery students. We discovered labour and birthing simulations through Virtual Reality (VR) and wanted to bring this technology to Bangor University. Currently the simulation focuses on normal physiological birth, however, the technology is being developed to include more complex labour and birth scenarios to include obstetric emergencies. Our aim is to integrate the VR simulation across all three years, so depending on their stage of learning, students can benefit from the VR throughout their whole undergraduate journey.

Lauren Irving — School of Medical and Health Sciences

The use of Go–Pro Hero cameras and Oculus virtual reality headsets really do provide a more immersive experience than traditional video – this is even true for a scene where the learning target is predominantly 2D such as a cliff face where participants are tasked with identifying different taxa. A lot of the field skills we want students to develop are better addressed in this 360 mode. For example, interpreting the geomorphology of the surrounding area from initial overview observations is possible in 360 mode; the tutor can illustrate the occurrence of certain strata in a rock outcrop and then ask participants to identify other examples at points further along in the video. This can be followed up by discussion with students about what those strata say of the conditions of formation of the rock, for example. It’s also possible to use the video for students to make sketches and write observation notes which is important in terms of developing the skill of abstracting information.

Dei Huws

School of Ocean Sciences