EdTech VR and gamification set to transform training and education tool kit

#EDTECH PIONEER LAUNCHES WHO EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING  

Immersive learning specialist – Near-Life™– is launching a new VR authoring tool to deliver realistic scenarios with a pilot project for emergency medical teams, supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Manchester-based Near-life™ has used its new CREATOR VR interactive video tool to produce an immersive learning project for the WHO’s Emergency Medical Teams programme. 

Based on the WHO’s Blue Book Guidelines, the course will help establish best practice and standards across the international responder community. 

The technology allows organisations to easily create 360° and 180° immersive-learning scenarios. The first-of-its-kind authoring tool uses web VR technology which means learning scenarios do not require any expensive hardware and can be played through a mobile phone app for effective remote learning – at scale.  

The project has been backed by Innovate UK and the former Department for International Development. As part of the project, the business worked alongside the World Health Organisation and the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team.  

Commenting on the launch, Near-life™ CEO, Mike Todd said:

 “Learning technology can be a powerful force for good. Our tool will equip emergency response professionals all over the world with the immersive experience and knowledge they need. To work in conjunction with the WHO to deliver this course and launch the authoring tool is an achievement for our business and a reflection of the calibre of the technology and its impact.” 

Filming took place at Lincolnshire Fire Service’s purpose-built search and rescue facility to recreate real-life scenarios that emergency medical teams could face on the job. Near-life’s award-winning producers and directors help bring any organisation’s training content to life. This latest project will form part of a suite of immersive courses developed with international organisations on Near-Life’s Resilience Academy. 

Geseth Garcia, co-founder at Near-life added: 

 “The future growth potential for our technology across a range of sectors and geographies is significant. There are huge opportunities for application across industries such as education, insurance, and health and safety. Organisations are able to design the training programmes to replicate real-life scenarios which test decision-making all via the learner’s mobile phone, making this really accessible and effective remote learning.” 

Dean Harris, UK ISAR Safety & Security Lead added: 

“We have worked closely with Near-Life, the UN World Health Organisation and other lead partners in the development of this course, which offers pragmatic and realistic security training for International Emergency Medical Teams, with the added convenience of being accessible via an electronic device anywhere in the world. This innovative approach makes training more attainable than ever and helps keep our international responders safe.” 

This latest news comes on the back of an announcement Near-life™ has received a £240,000 funding boost from Innovate UK accelerate the development of its immersive police training software with the help of Greater Manchester Police.