Future tech transports Dorset children through space and time

Children in Portland were transported back to the Jurassic age, dived to the depths of the oceans, cast spells with a friendly dragon and even experienced four seasons in one day.

The lucky youngsters were able to walk with dinosaurs and float with octopuses thanks to the UK’s first ever 5G immersive classroom.

Dorset Council joined forces with BT to help bring this next generation in learning experience to St George’s Primary School and Atlantic Academy.

The BT immersive classroom is a 360-degree portable space that creates a digital projection on the walls and floor to bring the real-world alive for students.

They can experience what it’s like to be in outer space, on a World War 1 battlefield or even on top of Everest.

Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation, Cllr Jill Haynes, said: “We were delighted to work with BT to bring this amazing experience to school pupils in Portland.

“The opportunities digital can now bring to education is incredibly exciting and with it we can find new ways of inspiring children to learn.

“It really does help to bring learning to life.”

The immersive classroom is connected to an EE 5G network, which means it benefits from ultrafast speeds and enhanced reliability.

As well as transporting children to a projected world, it also enables them to take charge of their learning experience.

By touching the immersive classroom’s walls the youngsters can find out facts, answer questions and even make dinosaurs appear and snow to fall.

Deputy headteacher of St George’s Primary School, Michael Coombs, said: “The children of St George's had an amazing day.   

“They loved the whole experience, including interactive quizzes, stunning visuals, fun games and tours of the past, our world and beyond. 

“The children loved the added creativity, freedom and independence in their learning.  Everyone left the space buzzing and wanting to experience more."   

Cerys Nelson, from BT, added: “The team and I had an incredible time in Dorset, transforming education from standard classroom teaching to an engaging and memorable experience.

“It was fantastic to see the students’ enthusiasm to learn as we took them to the Great Fire of London, a WW1 trench and through the planets in our Solar System.”

Dorset Council is committed to developing digital skills in the county through the Digital Skills Partnership and its own Economic Growth Strategy.

Joining forces with private partners like BT means the council can deliver events that inspire young people about opportunities and careers in digital, raise their aspirations and link local schools with businesses.

For more information on the BT immersive classroom go to Immersive Classroom (bt.com)