A Glimpse into VR for VT Consultants: Collaborative Training Day in Lévis

by James Burn
Octobre 2024

Earlier this month, RÉCIT Formation professionnelle and Vocational Training consultants held a hands-on and exploration day in Lévis. The day’s agenda was filled with several goals: discover, explore and share the technical equipment and experiences acquired through last year’s budgetary measure 50590. Among the equipment was the new Apple Vision Pro VR and Meta Quest 3 VR headsets, 360° cameras, and industrial digital scanners. For some colleagues, it was the first time they donned a headset on their person. Small groups formed where some that had experience with the technology were helping others that were just beginning their exploration journey. 

The day began with a synchronous meeting and training by a representative from UbiSim, a health simulation platform. The training covered the basics of the nursing simulator and covered the first steps for those present in person and others joining the call online. Participants consisted of consultants and teachers as well as centre administrators who are already enrolled and participating in the UbiSim project. It was also a pristine opportunity to discover the UbiSim application and potential it can offer across multiple Health program competencies and stage preparation. 

Next up was a hands-on presentation on using the Meta Quest 3. The presentation and demonstration was accompanied by a quick start guide that was prepared for the occasion. The session included how to share one’s screen during a VR experience so that it can be viewed by others, capturing and sharing a video in VR, streaming VR content on an iPad or classroom display, and using the headset while connected to a high-end computer to have the ability to explore PC-VR applications.  

Before wrapping up in the afternoon with further individual or group explorations, another VR application was presented. Uptale is a platform that lets one create interactive virtual reality training courses without needing any coding skills. Simple 360° photos and videos are used to make immersive learning experiences. It resembles and allows making a virtual tour or simulation that students can explore, helping them learn in a more engaging way.

All in all, it was a great day of collaboration, exploration and learning. Our exchanges and experiences that day will surely help benefit our own professional development as consultants, while enhancing our abilities to provide workshops and training with centres’ newly acquired equipment from the budgetary measure 50590.