Oaklands College Records Plumbing Lessons in Virtual Reality
Oaklands College is recording plumbing demonstrations in virtual reality (VR), giving students another way to access hands-on learning. The project brings together the College’s Plumbing team and Digital Innovation team, which are using 360-degree cameras to film workshop demonstrations for viewing through VR headsets.
The recordings are intended for students who have missed a practical session or want to refresh their understanding of a technique after a lesson. They provide an additional learning resource alongside the instruction and guidance students receive during workshop activities.
Practical demonstrations let plumbing students see how a task is done before trying it themselves. Recording these sessions gives learners access to demonstrations beyond the original lesson, supporting their understanding of the techniques tutors show.
The first recording features plumbing tutor Mark Norris demonstrating pipe bending. The session shows how mathematics applies to a practical plumbing task, connecting the physical technique with the calculations involved. It also links classroom learning with its application in the workshop.
The Plumbing teaching team, led by Eden Longley, has worked with the Digital Innovation team to plan and film the demonstrations. John Vincent also supported the team in developing the first virtual reality project.
A two-dimensional desktop version of the demonstration is planned for the College’s online learning platform, Canvas. Students will be able to watch the material without a VR headset, providing an alternative way to access the recorded lesson.
The project forms part of Oaklands College’s wider use of immersive technology in teaching. Health and Social Care sessions have also been taking place in the College’s new iPlatform at its Welwyn Garden City campus.
The iPlatform uses Igloo’s shared immersive classroom technology. Its features include large interactive displays, 360-degree audio-visual environments, and flexible layouts that let groups explore learning content together. The College plans to expand the platform’s use across its curriculum.
The plumbing project combines practical demonstrations with digital recording technology, while the planned Canvas version will provide access without a VR headset. The initiative also gives prospective plumbing students insight into how Oaklands College combines practical teaching with digital technology to support skills development.
