SSAT Vibe

"Using the VIBE over the past two academic years has had an extremely positive effect upon the understanding and learning of brickwork and the various health and safety requirements of the course.

The ability to create the required outcomes and different bonds on the screen, using different types of bricks has allowed the students to practise before their practical. Also the ease of use by incorporating games technology has allowed the students to access the software.

In the cold spell we had recently, where the sand was frozen, we used the VIBE to good effect by creating a series of walls and screen grabbing the outcome to incorporate into our coursework.

Overall, this software has enhanced my delivery of Construction and the Built Environment to students of all abilities, as the realistic user friendly nature of the software (gaming controls) allows the students to immediately create and enjoy the tasks at hand."

"It can be challenging turning a classroom into a true work related experience especially when it come to the Creative and Media industries.

The VIBE resource provides access to a virtual space where ideas about the management and exhibition of creativity can be explored. Nothing can replace real world experience, but this tool offers a site to explore some of the skills and knowledge required to be successful.

Students can hear and see real industry practitioners explain their roles, describe the skills required and enter creative industry spaces, such as art galleries, design and music studios.

There are narrative routes through the village in terms of planning an event, hiring equipment, developing simple marketing materials and publishing them onto billboards within the virtual streets. Because the teacher and students can share the experience (unlike a real work placement), teachers can not only send students into the the village for information they can set simple planning tasks, such as a “recce” for a film/video shoot in a building or an outdoor space. This virtual experience would enable students to explore make mistakes and learn prior to the real thing."

"The VIBE provides an opportunity for learners to explore an environment beyond the classroom in a safe and easily guided way. These experiences can then be taken by learners into the real world.

All activities link directly to issues raised within the Diploma specifications and wider issues such as ethics and diversity. Students can be directed to specific areas or allowed to roam and find their own areas of interest."