InclusiVR: Virtual Education for Every Student

InclusiVR redefines education and fosters a brighter, more inclusive future by offering immersive virtual experiences that transcend barriers and ensure every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to high-quality learning.

Call to Action

The innovation InclusiVR: Virtual Education for Every Student was largely prompted by a profound commitment to addressing the critical issue of educational inequity. Motivated by the stark disparities in access to quality education, Woxsen University School of Business recognized that the traditional barriers, including geographical, financial, and infrastructural limitations, were preventing countless underserved students from accessing the high-quality education they deserved.

The School of Business identified the transformative potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in breaking down these barriers. With its immersive and interactive capabilities, VR has the power to democratize education, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment that transcends physical constraints.

Furthermore, the institution was driven by a desire to harness innovation as a force for societal good. Woxsen understood that by embracing VR technology to create InclusiVR, they could not only bridge the education gap but also empower students to become problem-solvers and innovators, contributing to positive change in their communities and beyond.

The urgent need for timely, accessible, and impactful education in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of business also played a pivotal role in motivating this project. InclusiVR not only seeks to provide equitable access to education but also ensures that curricula and credentials are responsive to the speed of business, preparing students for real-world challenges.

Innovation Description

The InclusiVR innovation represents a visionary approach to addressing educational inequity and aligns closely with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4, quality education. The framework consists of the following aspects:

• Time Frame: The project envisions both short-term and long-term impact. Short-term objectives involve the development of the virtual platform, while long-term goals include its continued improvement and expansion.
• Structure: The School of Business is collaborating with the university’s AI Research Centre to build the metaverse platform, ensuring cutting-edge technology integration. Faculty members and students are integral components of the project, serving as end-users and contributors.
• People: Faculty members are trained to effectively use the metaverse platform, ensuring they can deliver high-quality education in this immersive environment. Students benefit directly as they gain access to innovative courses.
• Objectives: The primary objective is to bridge educational gaps by providing equitable access to high-quality education using VR technology, aligning with SDG 4. Additional objectives include enhancing learning outcomes, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity.
• Process: The project involves developing and refining the InclusiVR platform; training faculty; and integrating courses on machine learning, marketing management, wealth management, organizational behavior, and supply chain management into the metaverse.
• Activities: Activities encompass software development, faculty training, course development, student engagement in VR learning experiences, and ongoing assessment and improvement.

This innovative approach exemplifies a commitment to using AI and VR technology to make education accessible and impactful, ultimately contributing to sustainable development through empowered and educated individuals.

Innovation Impact

The innovation has made a significant and multifaceted impact on various stakeholders in the business school community, with anticipated future benefits poised to be even more transformative.

Current impact:

• Faculty members have embraced the immersive teaching approach, enhancing their pedagogical skills and engagement levels. Students, regardless of their backgrounds or geographical locations, have gained access to high-quality education, improving their learning outcomes.
• The school has garnered recognition for its pioneering approach to education, solidifying its position as an institution committed to innovation and inclusivity.
• Graduates equipped with VR-based learning experiences are better prepared for the dynamic business world, making them more attractive to employers.
• The innovation has promoted social inclusion and contributed to the achievement of SDGs by addressing educational inequities.

Anticipated future impact:

• The platform is expected to expand its reach, attracting students and faculty from around the world and enhancing the school’s international profile.
• The collaboration with the AI Research Centre will encourage cutting-edge research in the field of VR-based education.
• The School of Business is poised to become a hub for VR-based educational innovation, fostering partnerships with tech companies and other institutions.
• As graduates enter the workforce with a strong educational foundation, they are likely to drive positive change and innovation in their respective fields.
• InclusiVR will continue to shape the future of education, empowering students and faculty, elevating the school’s standing, and contributing to a more equitable and sustainable society through its forward-thinking approach.

Reference Links

• AI Research Centre, LinkedIn post by Abisekh Kumar J V
• Woxsen Metaverse Odyssey, LinkedIn post by Sudhan Guru
• Woxsen Metaverse Odyssey (VR game)