Torrens University Australia has been recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand's Most Innovative Companies for its investment in future-focused technology and the latest virtual reality and extended reality in the curriculum.
The centrepiece of recent innovation at Torrens University is incorporation of state-of-the-art Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR), embedded into its fashion and hospitality curriculum.
The prestigious annual list is published by The Australian Financial Review BOSS and is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia's leading behavioural science consultancy, Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry expert judges.
University of the Future: where technology fast-tracks changemakers, disruptors and innovators
Torrens University Australia President & CEO Linda Brown said Torrens University Australia was honoured to be recognised amongst the top organisations in the 2022 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List.
"Being nominated for the 2022 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies List for the third year running illustrates Torrens University's position as a University of the Future," said Ms Brown.
"This is recognition of Torrens University's commitment to using technology to transform reality and our ethos that when education, technology, industry and business collaborate, the result is students who are innovative, confident change makers."
Eoghan Hogan, Director of Product Innovation at Torrens University, said virtual reality is the natural evolution of education - simulating workplace environments, with 360 and 3D technologies providing students immersive, engaging, and industry-relevant experiences.
"Albert Einstein said 'I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.
"At Torrens University Australia, we deliver immersive, authentic, industry-based learning for students. We use technology to set up conditions for students that engage their critical thinking and humanistic, soft skills - by immersing them in an experience, they learn empathy which directs their 'true north' to navigate an increasingly complex world and become changemakers who make a positive difference," said Mr Hogan.
"We believe that technology can potentially transform the way we deliver content – for us, innovation is not just in the delivery of a digital product, but the way that the digital experience teaches our students to think, create and interact in new ways.
"We ask ourselves: what is the point of innovation? And it must always be to produce better outcomes and a superior experience for users.
"The role of education institutions is changing from being knowledge banks for students to teaching students to curate, challenge, and extend their knowledge and their experiential learning via technology. It is about re-imagining our physical footprints and making the virtual world connected, dynamic, and positive."
Virtual Reality provides students with real-world skills in fashion and hospitality
Torrens University's winning entry provides students who are studying the Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design Virtual Fashion Design Studio and The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Virtual Training Hotel with industry skills and improves access for all.
Paul Brafield, Vice President of Digital and Global Enterprise said that Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) helped students to navigate an increasingly changing world of work.
"The Virtual Fashion Studio uses immersive learning technology to take learning beyond physical borders, and to develop students' digital fluency and agency, giving them a competitive edge," said Mr Brafield.
"Students at Torrens interact in authentic industry settings and scenarios, equipping them with the knowledge skills, and experiences to become leaders in their chosen fields. Just as importantly, students are our partners in innovation – their active input is critical to what we do – and so they also graduate with an innovation mindset and take that future-focused approach into their careers."
