Launch of new “Immersive Technology” Module for Tourism & Digital Marketing
School lecturer Nevan Bermingham delivered the first iteration of the new “Immersive Technology for Digital Tourism” (TFIT1004) with first and second year TU953 students last week. Using 15 Meta Quest 3 XR VR headsets and Insta360 360° cameras, students will learn hands-on how to design, shoot and critique immersive 360° tourism destination videos for attractions around Dublin, to help them understand real world application of future-focused tourism marketing.
In collaboration with Peter Griffin and Louise Bellew, the module is built around the concept of “playing” to develop new digital skills. The approach employs an inclusive “theory-light” Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach: students explore the tools, learn by doing, and so develop technical literacy, creativity and employability for today’s digital economy. Students also create interactive resources for these attractions using AI chatbots and interactive QR “Scan & Stroll” maps.
Assessment is project-based where student groups will create an immersive digital web-space anchored by their 360° XR tourism marketing tour and submit a brief reflective evaluation connecting marketing/design theory to their creative and technical decisions. The module will also use peer-support mentors by students outside the programme to support the student groups with the technical issues and creative challenges.
Funding for the technology for this model was made available through SATLE, NTUTORR and TU Dublin’s newly launched Digital Futures Collective, of which Nevan is one of the founding members. The photos show the first class exploring and sharing their experience through hands-on VR.