Universities are operating in a competitive market in which the demographic decline is forcing a battle for leadership. Competition for students requires reaching for resources to ensure success in this regard. Investing in innovation is justified because today’s generation of students and the demands of the labor market place expectations on universities to adapt to modernity. The attractiveness of the educational offer attracts new candidates and supports the image of the university. Implementing VR solutions diversifies the educational process, prepares young people for professional tasks, and helps develop VR technology with inexhaustible potential for improving the quality of life and health.
Practical training
The university’s resources can be a differentiator and significantly increase competitiveness. The use of VR in education reflects a modern approach to educating future professionals. Virtual Reality is not only a current trend, rather it must be seen as a forward-looking direction, as it is gaining importance in various industries and professions. VR TierOne and VR TierOne GO are therapeutic devices that are used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and in relaxation therapy to help reduce stress levels. The VR TierOne medical device and VR TierOne GO relaxation device are used in clinical practice, in healthcare institutions. The devices are used supportively in rehabilitation, prehabilitation, psychotherapy, psychogerontology, neurology – wherever the goal is to support mental functioning and reduce psychopathological symptoms in patients with depression. These devices used in education, especially in the faculties training rehabilitators, psychologists, therapists, allow to practically prepare for the effective use of high-tech equipment in future professional work. Access to advanced VR technology, gaining experience in working with specific devices, increase the chance of being successful in future work with patients. Having VR equipment in the university’s resources can be an important argument for a future student to choose an institution, while for the university it can be helpful in attracting funding for innovative research projects based on Virtual Reality.
Example: VR TierOne and VR TierOne GO devices have found their place in the VR and Robotics Technology Simulation and Research Laboratory, which opened within the walls of the Humanitas Academy in Sosnowiec, Poland. The university is developing its potential, increasing its attractiveness through innovative education that combines theory and practice. Modern equipment based on Virtual Reality technology is used to transcend traditional teaching methods.
Research area
Educational offerings enriched with VR attract university candidates fascinated by innovation. Ambitious young scientists eager to explore the possibilities of applications of the latest Virtual Reality-based equipment can fulfill themselves by participating in research at the university. TierOne’s VR virtual therapy has been studied in various contexts, and its potential in the field of health makes it an attractive direction for conducting further research projects. The development of the research unit and its stature depend, among other things, on student activity and involvement in innovative scientific projects. Equipping the unit with therapeutic VR equipment makes it possible to conduct research in priority areas related to health challenges. VR not only helps educate future specialists, but, more importantly, helps deal with real social or health problems. Such a serious problem affecting both areas is depression. For universities, research in key areas means tangible benefits in the form of grants, but in addition to funds, the benefit can be increased collaboration with other institutions.
Example: A VR TierOne device was purchased by the University of Physical Education named after the Olympians in Wroclaw and used to carry out the Physiotherapy Department’s research project “Virtual therapy to support the rehabilitation of women diagnosed with breast cancer” at the Breast Unit of the Lower Silesian Center for Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology in Wroclaw. The development of innovation and contribution to science strengthens the university’s position.
Mental health
A university that cares about the mental health of its community presents itself as an institution with high values in the non-academic area as well. The VR TierOne and VR TierOne GO devices are designed to support mental health and well-being. There is nothing stopping the university from taking care of the mental health of the student community with these devices. The pressure of expectations and the inability to cope with failure leaves students in need of support to manage stress, fatigue and anxiety. Mental health crises in students can be associated with performance deterioration, absenteeism from classes, which can eventually result in delisting. Developing mental problems in students, leads to universities losing potential talent. The common benefit, therefore, is for the university to promote mental health, show concern and create conditions that support coping with stress. All this is done so that students can function better, absorb knowledge and achieve high results that will make them proud and the university proud.
Example: the VR TierOne GO mobile relaxation goggles are improving the mental health of students at Opole University of Technology. The university guarantees specialized psychological help, but virtual anti-stress therapy provides ad hoc help that provides relief and promotes the acquisition of stress management skills. A pro-student project conducted at the university to improve psychological well-being through relaxing VR videos included a research component. As a result, the VR TierOne GO goggles were shown to be an effective tool in relaxation therapy and mental health support for students….
Image of the university
Progressive solutions like VR TierOne and VR TierOne GO are excellent examples of how, when used properly, technology can support subtle mental health, diversify the learning process and indirectly build the university’s image. Innovative infrastructure attracts new students, and the university’s commitment to well-being helps retain them. Students who receive support, development opportunities and quality education befitting the realities of modern times are more likely to promote their alma mater. And the professional successes of graduates who are well-prepared for the job market will certainly enhance the image of the Alma Mater.
Example: A VR TierOne device has been introduced within the walls of a rapidly growing medical school, the Ludwik Rydygier Medical College in Bydgoszcz at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun. The university, which has the status of a research university with the help of the VR TierOne device, is planning research in the cardiology area at a hospital that is an integral part of the university. The goal is high-scoring scientific publications that will strengthen the university’s image and recognition on an international scale.
