North East tech company releases AR app to support healthcare skills training

A North East tech company is supporting a further education college with the launch of its Augmented Reality (AR) app.

Fuzzy Logic Studio was enlisted by Tyne Metropolitan College to build an AR app for its Health and Social Care department.

Using three interactive scenarios visualised in AR, learners now have the opportunity to practise implementing the appropriate care values, infection control, and safeguarding required in the workplace. The app can be accessed on campus or at home using a mobile device or tablet.

Paula Higgins, deputy head of health and social care/early years, said: “When Covid first hit in 2020, it quickly became apparent that our delivery strategies would need to change to improve accessibility for our learners.

“Placements became an issue, with learners unable to experience the hands-on practical skills needed for the workplace. We decided to invest in Augmented Reality because we felt it would allow us to create an immersive environment accessible to learners in the college and at home.”

Harvey Trent, director of Fuzzy Logic Studio, commented: “Work-based skills training is rapidly evolving with the rise of new technologies, including Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. They enable learners to safely visualise and simulate real-world scenarios, which is particularly beneficial in sectors associated with higher risks.”

The Department for Education (DfE) funded the project through its College Collaboration Fund (CCF) - a national programme of competitive grant funding for all statutory further education (FE) providers.

The CCF enables colleges to collaborate and share good practices and expertise to address common quality improvement priorities.