Dell empowers virtual reality and classroom creativity at CIT through latest technologies

Dell has announced that its technology is empowering classroom creativity at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) with students enabled to create graphic-intensive Virtual Reality (VR) projects and lecturers gaining more teaching time.

As CIT sought to harness the opportunities of the world of VR for its creative digital media students, it experienced a number of performance-related barriers. Outdated workstations and supporting infrastructure were hindering the third-level institute from rolling out new modules on gaming, VR, animation and application design.

To overcome these challenges and become a leader in VR design education, CIT undertook a programme to update their design labs and selected Dell as its trusted partner. Through the provision of the latest Dell workstations, Alienware gaming desktops and ProSupport Plus, students at CIT now have the tools to harness the power of VR to accelerate their cutting-edge multimedia careers.

In giving students access to emerging technologies, CIT is responding to a growing desire amongst Generation Z, or those born after 1996, 80% of whom want to work with cutting-edge technology in their future career. CIT sought to develop courses that challenge these students and equip them with vital industry skills.

Rose McGrath, Head of Media Communications in CIT said: “As a third level institute that has trained Ireland’s leading artists for the last 100 years, CIT CCAD has prided itself on fostering an innovative learning environment that best positions our students for the workplace of the future.

“However, in recent times outdated technology has meant we have been unable to meet the needs of students and teachers who increasingly undertake intensive VR projects as part of their digital media and e-learning curriculum.

“Our partnership with Dell has proved pivotal in enabling our students to be more creative and use VR to push the boundaries of what they can do with graphics. Without the improved performance from the Dell workstations and Alienware gaming desktops, we wouldn’t have been able to regain 40 minutes of classroom instruction time every day.”

In marking today’s news, Aisling Keegan, Vice-President and General Manager of Dell EMC Ireland, said: “At Dell, we are committed to preparing the future workforce by using the latest technology to spark creativity within the classroom. With 90% of tomorrow’s jobs requiring digital skills, third-level institutions in Ireland must have the tools at their disposal to drive digital transformation.

“By leveraging our latest portfolio of devices, Dell has empowered a creative and immersive teaching environment that is producing impressive academic results. Students have used our devices to create projects ranging from therapeutic activity–based video games to assist patients with Parkinson’s disease, to a VR immersive programme that helps prepare individuals in prison for release.

“CIT should be commended for its leadership in digital transformation. This is an example of third level institutions looking to opportunities unlocked by emerging technologies to prepare the workers of the future. By forging an ambitious strategy for change and embracing technology to make that strategy a reality, Dell and CIT can enhance learning experiences and improve student outcomes both now and into the future.”