BTI is pleased to announce a partnership with Virtual Apprentice,  a woman-owned firm specializing  in creating  immersive, simulated virtual environments for users that replicates the workplace, offering expanded opportunities for job training and professional development.

The first module being built is for pipetting and will assist with enhancing the hands-on component of BTI’s program. Participants will have a simulated hands-on immersive experience within the BioSTART and the Laboratory Associates Program. 

The firm, headed by Ellie Giles, will be creating software for BTI that runs on virtual Quest 2 headsets, allowing users to progress through learning modules at their own pace, with built-in evaluations as they go. 

The value of the training is that it allows users to learn at their own pace, replicating real life-lab experience with much less risk. The headsets come with controllers that provide “haptic,” or tactile, feedback, so the user feels like they are actually carrying out the task. Virtual training can also provide more access from underrepresented demographics by eliminating traditional barriers. The program also aligns with the principles of adult learning.

The software allows instructors to see just where a student is in their learning. “We monitor them to see how often they need to practice,” said Giles. “The students develop competencies in each skill before moving on to the next. The final competency is in the real world.”

BTI has purchased three headsets, and hopes to launch the program in spring 2023.

“BTI is excited about this opportunity. Virtual Reality will expand our programming, allowing us to extend our training to more students,” said Dr. Brandy Carter, BTI’s executive director. “We look forward to launching this program.”