The University of Ulster hosted the first ever workshop in Northern Ireland to explore online virtual technology in education.

The aim of the Immers[ed] 2009 event, held in the Great Hall of the Magee Campus, Derry, was to raise awareness of the advantages of using virtual worlds in an educational setting, as well as how to manage potential pitfalls.

Industry experts and educators from across the UK and Ireland led practical demonstrations of how various software works and how it can benefit schools.

Michael Callaghan, workshop organiser and leader of the Serious Games and Virtual Worlds research team at the University’s School of Computing and Engineering, said: “It allows greater levels of student participation and interaction, engaging digital natives and creating new, exciting and innovative possibilities.” MR.