RCR LAB – ENHANCED LEARNING IN A VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL IMMERSION CLASSROOM, PART OF PRODUCING INNOVATIVE RESEARCH FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A multidimensional approach to managing risks and responding to crises has become increasingly important in an age of unpredictability and rapid change. For this reason, the Risk and Crisis Research Centre (RCR) based at Mid Sweden University encompasses researchers from several different fields, and fosters collaboration across higher education, government, industry, emergency services and the general public. Recently work was completed on a unique simulation lab, set to become a hub for RCR and its many stakeholders. RCR Lab combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) with traditional simulation tools for a full immersion experience. RCR Lab’s main focus is on research and education in crisis management as well as practitioners of emergency management services. Its interdisciplinary nature encompasses a wide audience of students in social and natural sciences. The lab features seamless 360° video projection with surround sound, lighting, smoke, and olfactory effects, as well as sonic vibrations, infrared heating, and cooling. The use of props further enhances the ability of students to experience and train in a wide range of settings. The lab was inaugurated in November, 2016.

In this paper, we present RCR Lab and the three project areas that govern our work, namely:
(i) the development of scenario-based virtual and augmented environments to be used in research, training, teaching and learning within the lab;
(ii) the development and interrogation of methods for advancing new and existing crisis training, models, concepts and educational programs, and
(iii) nurturing collaboration, information and knowledge sharing among industry, government agencies, national and international research bodies, volunteer organisations, as well as students, media, and the general public, in the aim of taking a more holistic approach to crisis management.