Advance Colleges Trust (ACT) has launched a series of immersive learning environments in partnership with shared immersive space company, Igloo Vision (Igloo), and WordPress CMS specialist, Feel Created (Feel) as part of a government-funded programme.

The launch was kicked off with a grand reveal event on 5th May at John Leggott College, Scunthorpe, which houses a 180-degree space created by Igloo. Igloo has installed 360-degree and square environments at Wilberforce Sixth Form College, Hull, and Franklin College, Grimsby, respectively.

Feel was commissioned by ACT to deliver a series of branded digital assets that raises student awareness of green energy and STEM employment opportunities across all three locations.

Feel developed a flexible, easy-to-update CMS solution that seamlessly interacts with Igloo technology and in which assets are edited and created by college staff within a branded framework. The agency worked with motion specialist, Boardwalk Studio, to develop a cohesive initial content programme covering video, imagery and copy.

Igloo’s cutting edge immersive technology will deliver various benefits, allowing learners to experience many workplaces and career opportunities without setting foot off-campus. For example, students can virtually visit an offshore wind farm or participate in a courtroom role-play scenario within the shared immersive spaces.

Emma Swinburn, CLT associate at Franklin College and project lead, said: “We’re delighted with the results of this project, which has been over six months in the making. Igloo and Feel have delivered a fantastic resource with longevity. Our green energy and STEM materials look fantastic today. And using the Igloo and Feel systems, the opportunities to create further inspiring materials are limitless.”

Theo Penty, Head of educational business development EMEA and North America at Igloo Vision, commented: “Our educational clients worldwide can take any digital content and load it into an Igloo for anyone to use. But by taking a tailor-made approach in this instance, ACT has achieved consistent branding across all three spaces.”

Ian Long, creative director at Feel Created, added: “Working with ACT and Igloo, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what WordPress CMS can deliver. We have a long-standing relationship with ACT, and this has been an exciting project to be involved in on behalf of ACT students.”