April 30, 2024

BWDSB students visit virtual auto shop

Through Bluewater District School Board’s (BWDSB) ongoing partnership with Georgian College, students in Careers, Civics, and Computer Technology classes at Owen Sound District and Grey Highlands secondary schools caught a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the electric vehicle industry.

Representatives from the college’s Barrie Campus visited both schools recently to introduce the newly developed Auto-XR (extended reality) program that combines virtual and practical skill enhancement in a fun and engaging activity.

As explained by Rob Theriault, Immersive Technology Manager at Georgian College, Auto-XR is a 15-minute virtual reality (VR) experience, where students find themselves in an electric vehicle garage. After applying a headset, participants are presented with the view of a floating robot that provides instructions to guide them through the completion of a few tasks.

With projected rapid job growth in the electric vehicle industry, this hands-on experience in virtual and augmented reality was implemented through a grant aimed at encouraging youth in Grades 10 to 12 and post-secondary to consider related careers. At the same time, students get to test drive and familiarize themselves with new innovative tools and emerging technologies that incorporate generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Thanks are extended to Georgian College, along with school and board staff, who collaborated to offer this cutting edge and forward-thinking opportunity to students connecting VR, AI, and the skilled trades.

 

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