DASBE partners had a busy week showcasing the new DASBE VR educational tool across the TUS campuses.

DASBE is developing Virtual Reality tools and the first Virtual Reality educational prototype has been created. For the past year, a team of VR developers in collaboration with industry experts have been building a Virtual Reality prototype that aligns with DASBE’s goals.

The DASBE Virtual Reality educational prototype, which is the first of its kind at higher educational level in Ireland, is set to engage learners in a number of tasks such as detecting and analysing building defects in a traditional building (pre 1940s). The VR Prototype has been developed for a new TUS accredited Certificate in Energy Renovation of Traditional Buildings which is supported by The Heritage Council.

The VR prototype was first showcased in Thurles at a collaborative event between TUS and Tipperary ETB in December. The TUS president Dr. Vincent Cunnane tested the VR prototype and and commented on the excitement of this new development at TUS. Recognition was given to Colin Fardey and Stephen Bolger , who are members of the VR team in DASBE and both are past students of Gaming Design (Clonmel Campus).

The VR roadshow continued to the Moylish campus in Limerick. Students from a variety of different courses, such as marketing, management, business, accounting, construction studies and civil engineering had the opportunity to test the VR prototype. The students found the VR experience exciting and wish to experience more of it in education!

The VR team, Lis O’Brien, Finola Deavy, Colin Fardey and Colin Bolger will continue the development of Virtual Reality tools and as the team increases with DASBE partners from ATU, the collaborative approach will further strengthen and advance in the coming months.