Alliance4XR: Erasmus+ Innovation Alliance to infuse Higher Education and Further Education with Extended Reality skills

Speakers

Dr Rachel Farrell - University College Dublin

Alliance4XR is an Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Union, designed to empower educational institutions and vocational training centers by integrating Extended Reality (XR) into education. This initiative specifically targets fields such as structural engineering, energy, and maritime, aiming to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance employability in these sectors.

Our Goal

The primary objective of the Alliance4XR project is to co-create and test a comprehensive teaching and training methodology tailored for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) centers. By focusing on engineering, the project seeks to address the digital skills mismatch in XR, thereby improving the capacity of these institutions to prepare students and trainees for the technological and market challenges they will face in their professional careers. The developed methodology and materials will serve to enhance the knowledge and capabilities of HEIs and VET centers, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the necessary XR skills to thrive in their respective fields.

The Gap

Recent studies and surveys have highlighted a significant gap in XR theory and practice training modules within tertiary education and vocational training centers. This gap has led to a persistent shortage of relevant skills in various industry sectors, subsequently hindering the rapid development of commercial products and services. Without adequate training in XR, students and trainees are less prepared to meet the demands of modern engineering professions, affecting both their employability and the industry's overall progress.

Our Solution

Alliance4XR proposes a solution to this skills gap by developing and implementing a robust, tailored teaching and training methodology for XR integration. This project will enhance the capacity of HEIs and VET centers to address the technological challenges and market entry barriers faced by students and trainees in engineering professions. By equipping educational institutions with the necessary tools and knowledge, Alliance4XR aims to ensure that graduates possess the XR skills required to succeed in their careers and contribute to the advancement of their respective industries.

In conclusion, the Alliance4XR project offers a strategic approach to integrating XR into education, focusing on critical engineering sectors. By addressing the XR skills mismatch, the project will empower educational institutions to better prepare their students for the future, fostering innovation and growth in the industry.