ISA Podcast Explores Immersive Tech for Students

Summary

The International Society of Automation (ISA) podcast, Podomation, continues to gather momentum. Keep reading for a quick recap of one recent episode, Podomation 003—Global Impact on Student Access to New Technology.

What is Podomation?

Launched in 2023, Podomation is a podcast from ISA that covers all things automation and industrial cybersecurity. Podomation guests are subject-matter experts who are active in various niches throughout the industrial automation community. The topics include industry 4.0, digital transformation, manufacturing and machine control, connectivity and cybersecurity for operational technology, and continuous and batch processing.
 
Some episodes have been recorded live from ISA events, and others recorded in studio. Each episode focuses on the critical role that automation plays in making the world a better place, and all the ways our community is making an impact.

Podomation Episode 003: Global impact on student access to new technology

One of the largest issues companies worldwide face today is the technology gap between generations. How are universities working with students to get them ready to take on issues they may face with new technologies?

Podomation 003 Panelists:

• Paul Cooper, Michigan State University
• Paul Graham, The University of Sunderland
• James Sheridan, Head of Asia Pacific, IglooVision

VR technology for immersive learning experiences

Igloo technology is designed to create immersive shared spaces, conveying the experience of stepping into a giant VR headset. Schools like Michigan State University and The University of Sunderland are using the Igloo to set up realistic practice scenarios for medical students, allowing them to experience simulations of chaotic or challenging experiences they may encounter during their healthcare careers, such as Medivac flights or surgery. Immersive technologies can help reduce the cost of providing these experiences.

The speakers also discussed fostering a wide range of other unique learning experiences using the Igloo, from business startups to wellbeing to PhD research to cybersecurity test scenarios. Michigan State University's Sea Grant Extension Program has also used Igloo technology to create immersive content for its sturgeon hatchery growth program—capturing 360 degree views of the Black River ecosystem. 

Training across generations and geographies

Universities are investing in advanced technologies like Igloo to better prepare students for the workforce. Younger generations often have a higher comfort level with new technology, so in order to bring training to a broader population, efforts to reduce the cognitive load and make the technology feel "natural" have been key.

Michigan State University has also worked to coordinate group learning programs with students in Southeast Asia and the U.S.

Ready for the next episode of podomation? 

To see new episodes as soon as they're ready, make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Podomation is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more podcast platforms—if you enjoy listening to our discussions, please leave us a review! You can also play back episodes here any time.

_{This piece originally appeared on ISA Interchange.}