Immersive Learning Ecosystem IMMO
The IMMO project is building a digital and simulation-based learning ecosystem in the Helsinki metropolitan area, connecting educational institutions, companies, and municipalities. The goal is to strengthen the network of development and testbed environments, and to create new business opportunities and expertise in collaboration with a broad partner network.
In the IMMO project, the network of development and experimentation environments in the Helsinki metropolitan area is being strengthened on vocational and higher education campuses. The project also builds a cross-city innovation and knowledge ecosystem focused on digital learning, particularly simulation-based learning, and develops business services for companies in collaboration with a broad network of partners.
IMMO creates an immersive learning ecosystem in the Helsinki region in partnership with technology companies and education providers. Vocational institutions, universities of applied sciences, schools, and kindergartens serve as platforms for development and experimentation within the project.
The project is implemented by the City of Helsinki, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, and Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
Immersive learning environments
Simulation-based teaching in virtual environments is already being utilized in many ways. It offers advantages that traditional learning tools do not support. However, its use also presents challenges that hinder the business development of companies in the field. These include high costs of software and equipment, difficulties in using and managing the technology, didactic and pedagogical challenges, lack of standards and common practices, ethical and safety concerns, challenges in demonstrating impact and the scarcity of long-term research data, as well as obstacles in collaboration, sharing, and network-building (Tuominen, 2024a). Educational institutions have traditionally attempted to address these challenges independently, without broader collaboration. Working in silos can complicate the operations of companies in the sector and create mismatches between needs and offerings.
IMMO strengthens RDI-collaboration
IMMO brings a significant shift to the current landscape by building a new kind of ecosystem for simulation-based education and educational technology. This ecosystem connects simulation technology developers, edtech companies, large enterprises, public sector actors, educational experts, and students across the Helsinki metropolitan area. Additionally, companies in the circular economy, tourism, and customer service sectors can benefit from the ecosystem.
The co-creation model supports the rapid development and validation of new innovations and learning technologies, and it is integrated into existing testbed activities. Furthermore, the project promotes the growth of SMEs, networking, and international collaboration.
IMMO benefits many
Collaboration, sharing, and network-building around simulation-based learning in the Helsinki metropolitan area help companies scale to market faster, invest in RDI activities, advance the commercialization of innovations, and create new products and services. The project’s main target groups are companies in the simulation and learning technology sectors, especially startups, SMEs, and leading firms developing virtual environments, augmented reality, simulation solutions, and other educational technology innovations.
During the project, schools, vocational institutions, and universities of applied sciences serve as development and testing platforms for new products and services. Companies, educational staff, and students co-create and test new simulation content.
The project will implement three innovation challenges and several smaller, agile pilots to develop scalable learning technology solutions for simulation-based education in collaboration with companies, education providers, teachers, and students. The themes of the innovation challenges are deconstruction without damage, tourism, and customer service.
Photos: Vesa Laitinen
