Context
The University College Dublin Innovation Academy (UCD IA) and Cappfinity, a company focused on measuring and developing potential in talent acquisition and talent management, recognised the importance of digital transformation and its impact on the future of work. As technology breakthroughs transform industries, employers recognise that transversal skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, leadership and critical thinking are crucial for the workplace. However, there is a lack of formal opportunities to nurture these skills in current higher education systems. The digital era demands transversal skills that enable learners to adapt, innovate and collaborate effectively in a digital environment.
Objectives
UCD IA and Cappfinity identified this need and developed the VR (Virtual Reality) for Future Skills programme that equips learners with the necessary skills to navigate increasingly complex environments. VR offers a highly immersive and interactive experience, which gives learners a sense of immersion and ‘presence’ that is not achievable in other modalities. This allows learners to engage with digital scenarios and real-world based challenges in a highly stimulating and immersive way. The programme has four main goals: (1) to address the lack of formal opportunities for transversal skills development in higher education, (2) to foster a multidisciplinary learning environment to bridge the skills gap and promote equity, (3) to explore effective methods of teaching transversal skills and (4) to evaluate the impact of VR for transversal skills.
Implementation
The success of the VR for Future Skills programme is achieved through the careful allocation of resources and the establishment of governance and management structures. A specific budget is allocated to cover programme development and delivery, including technology infrastructure, VR equipment, software licences, content development and training resources. This budget is planned and closely monitored to ensure it is in line with programme objectives. In addition, a team of professionals is assigned to oversee programme implementation, including programme managers, facilitators and technical support staff. These team members are selected based on their knowledge and experience in relevant areas. In addition, a governance structure is established to oversee and guide the programme. All of these measures are crucial to ensure the success and achievement of the programme’s objectives.