3DBear built Finland's first immersive space in collaboration with Savon ammattiopisto (Sakky Vocational College). The space features four interactive walls and a floor that respond to touch, enhanced by sensory experiences such as scents, wind, and sound. What makes the space truly unique is that in addition to ready-made content, custom interactive content can be created to support the needs of students and teaching!
"Shared experiences strengthen the sense of community between students — cleaning the kitchen together is more fun than working alone, and who wouldn't want to go to Bali with friends — even if the experience is virtual."
The immersive space was designed starting from the needs of teaching and students. Sakky's immersive space was created specifically for TELMA (Training for work and independent living) students requiring intensive special support. With these students, basic everyday situations are practiced. The space and its content are accessible to all students.
In addition to its educational purpose, the immersive space also functions as a calming sensory room.
In the immersive space, groups of students can work together collaboratively, without VR headsets. Sakky's Special Education Teacher Tarja Tolonen considers this important when working with TELMA students: "With special needs students, it's important to see their faces and expressions. Guiding them and walking together through the virtual world is also possible when we're all looking at the same view." Tarja also highlights that the shared experiences made possible by the space strengthen the sense of community among students: "Cleaning the kitchen together is more fun than working alone, and who wouldn't want to go to Bali with friends — even if the experience is virtual."
Sakky already has many ideas for utilizing the space in teaching, for example in practicing new and intimidating situations and exploring workplace environments. Students have also embraced the space enthusiastically and see it as a wonderful new experience and an opportunity to practice independent living skills.
The space received well-deserved attention in YLE national news!
For more information, contact Rasmus Borg, Head of Pedagogy, 3DBear, rasmus@3dbear.fi
3DBear delivers immersive spaces as a turnkey service — from design to technical implementation. Let's plan a solution together that fits the needs of your teaching and students!
Contact us: sales@3dbear.fi