Virtual/augmented reality for South Australian STEM education spurred by Illumination company

Adelaide eastern suburbs Loreto College’s Lumination Learning Lab, using virtual and augmented reality technology, was expected to serve as an important catalyst needed to bridge the gender gap and continue breaking barriers for its all-girls students.
Image courtesy Loreto College

Loreto College at the Adelaide suburb of Maryattville in 2023 became the first all-girls’ school in Australia to introduce virtual and augmented reality technology ­–­ a state-of-the-art learning environment being adopted by other South Australian schools.

The swing to engage in immersive learning experiences, emphasising STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)-based applications has been greatly advanced by Lumination, a company started in Adelaide by Edward Carlson in 2017 and originally called Technology for Education Solutions. The company thrived as it showed its immersive learning possibilities to South Australian education and industry decision makers at its eventual home at the Adelaide University Thebarton campus.

Among the decision makers was Scott Bayliss, chief information officer for South Australian government education department, who said he was “extremely proud” to introduce immersive technology to the state’s public school students: “This is part of our digital transformation strategy that will shape the way education is delivered in South Australian schools as part of our world class education system.” Bayliss said virtual and augmented reality technology allowed students to develop skills they need to thrive, now and into the future; from critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, collaboration and technical skills.

High-tech immersive technology labs were part of newly built South Australia government schools in Whyalla, Riverbanks, Aldinga and Goolwa and were being installed other schools by Luminate., These would offer students a state-of-the-art learning environment equipped with leading virtual and augmented reality technology.

Loreto College’s Lumination Learning Lab was expected to serve as an important catalyst needed to bridge the gender gap and continue breaking barriers for young girls. Loreto College principal Dr Nicole Archard said that, in a society where women are underrepresented in technology-based tertiary studies and careers, it is important to provide girls with a experiences through the use of technology so they can develop not only the skills but also an identity as future programmers, analysts, designers, artists, and engineers. Dr Archard’s comments were in line with research that consistently highlighted girls in single-sex schools perform better in STEM subjects and had more confidence to engage at rates far higher than in co-ed schools.