BCoT Joins Forces with Make Real to Deliver Immersive Learning Experiences

College collaborates with ‘Make Real’ as an edtech testbed and training centre

In association with London Grid for Learning and Edtech UK, BCoT is helping the sector experience where technology is taking learning next, enabling educators and businesses to access and test immersive experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, aided by the College’s award-winning digital team.

BCoT has a strong track record of collaborating with edtech companies like Make Real, TextHelp, Century Tech and Bodyswaps, enhancing the sector with innovative research, development, and feedback from students.

Make Real, creates impactful experiences resulting in meaningful, validated outcomes. Driven by solutions rather than technologies, the company designs collaborative serious games, VR and Augmented Reality training experiences, and tools that support behavioural change for the better in various fields, including Learning and Development, Training and Simulation.

Scott Hayden, Head of Teaching, Learning, and Digital at BCoT shared that “We are dedicated to empowering learners and businesses for a brighter future, and our strategic partnership with Make Real is a vital component in achieving that vision. Through the responsible, intentional, and mindful use of technology, we want to revolutionise the way we enhance and augment skills for learners and local businesses alike. We aim to foster future-ready skills, such as our Construction department, where the upcoming Retrofit Centre will serve as a cutting-edge hub for sustainable development in our area. Together with Make Real, we're dedicated to being an innovative testbed that seamlessly integrates immersive technology into our courses, ensuring that our learners and local businesses can thrive.”

The collaboration will feature opportunities such as access to Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and demonstrations on how educators can enhance teaching, learning, and assessment with the experiences from Make Real and other providers. For example, BCoT students will demonstrate applications such as End-Point Assessment, offering Level-3 NVQ apprentices in electrical, plumbing, and air-con & refrigeration systems theory with VR training and assessment. Additionally, a VR training and assessment application for Site Access Traffic Marshalls (SATM) on construction sites is being used, utilising natural gestures for an authentic learning experience to prepare learners for work on site.

BCoT's recent work as an Edtech Demonstrator for the Department for Education from 2020 to 2022 has provided support to over 100 schools and colleges. Furthermore, the College's impressive Ofsted Report of March 2023 praised the college for its strong relationships with industry partners and businesses, enabling the development of innovative courses and commended the way teachers ‘use digital resources to support learning very effectively’. The college has also been sharing its work at national conferences such as Jisc’s Digifest and Connect More in 2023 and training businesses in how to use immersive technologies and AI to enhance teaching and learning.

Ben Dykes, Director at Make Real said that “Make Real are looking forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with BCoT. Being a small business, it’s great to work with new talent and a college ambitious to explore, research and develop – sharing our knowledge and expertise enhances our creativity and curiosity, opening channels to interesting conversations, exciting opportunities and growth for everyone involved.”

Ty Goddard (Edtech UK) said “As a leading college and member of the Hampshire EdTech Hub, BCoT is committed to providing educators with the support they need to explore immersive technologies. We believe that these technologies have the potential to revolutionise learning, and we want to help educators make the most of them with the patient guidance and experience of a college already doing this to support its vocational learners. It's great to be working in partnership with BCoT.”

By joining forces with Make Real, Basingstoke College of Technology continues to establish itself as a frontrunner in educational technology, benefiting both students and the wider edtech community.