We have opened our exciting new immersive learning space, known as the Imaginarium, which is transforming the way in which students learn and experience their subjects.
The new facility surrounds learners with moving images, sounds and interactive visuals across every wall and the floor, creating a 360° digital world. The Imaginarium forms part of the College’s continued drive to make lessons more engaging, realistic and inspiring.
From virtual hospitals and construction sites to creative storytelling and anatomy tours, students can now explore their courses in completely new ways.
Simon Jordan, Principal and Chief Executive says, “The Imaginarium is a big step forward for education in Oldham.
“This isn’t just a new piece of technology; it’s a new way of learning.
“Our students can now experience work-based scenarios, collaborate with each other and develop practical skills in a safe but realistic environment.”
The Imaginarium uses powerful 360° projection and surround sound to create a fully immersive environment. It’s run by the College’s new Immersive Technology team, who work with staff to create bespoke experiences for each sector.
Since opening, lessons across a wide range of subjects have already taken place in the space. English students have stepped inside AI-created landscapes to inspire their creative writing, while Sports learners explored the inner workings of the human digestive system. The Skills for Life team recreated construction and gardening settings to help SEND learners practise workplace safety.
Learners have described the experience as “informative”, “interesting” and “unforgettable”.
One learner said: “It really helped me understand things better, it didn’t feel like a normal class.”
The project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, creativity and preparing learners for the modern workplace.
Simon Jordan added: “The Imaginarium is all part of Oldham College’s ambitious curriculum, future-proofing our learners’ skills. We want our students to have high-quality learning experiences and access to the kind of situations they’ll encounter in their future careers. We continue to invest in new ways of teaching and learning to ensure our students are ready for the fast-changing world beyond the classroom.”
The space is available for use across all courses, and the team are already planning new immersive experiences, from digital showcases to employer-linked projects, and we welcome enquiries from local organisations that may wish to get involved.
