Gaia 3D Solutions for Schools, Colleges & Universities

Gaia Technologies Showcases 3D Visual Learning at Big Bang Fair

Gaia Technologies Plc recently showcased its 3D Visual Learning software at the Big Bang: UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair.

The Big Bang is the UK’s biggest single celebration of science and engineering for young people, with over 25,000 people attending the event each year. The fair kicks off ten days of exciting events celebrating science and engineering across the country and aiming to engage and inspire children to organise and participate in science and engineering events and activities.

Gaia was invited to feature on the JCB stand to demonstrate the potential of 3D learning in the engineering classroom. Gaia installed a full 3D learning system at the JCB Academy in 2010. Since then, the Academy’s students have embraced this innovative technology as part of their learning.

JCB’s students have a dedicated 3D suite, where they take their own 2D CAD designs, developed in the classroom, and integrate them into the Gaia 3D Viewer. This allows students to gain a new perspective on their designs. Users can travel inside models as well as disassemble and rebuild them, enabling them to improve their designs in a virtual environment before they are fully realised. This is particularly useful in JCB Academy’s specialist Design and Engineering curriculum. The Academy’s students are now creating all of their own 3D content; however they also have access to Gaia’s 3D Library which incorporates 3D learning assets across the whole curriculum.

As the Big Bang fair is dedicated to inspiring young engineers, JCB and Gaia were keen to demonstrate the ability of 3D Visual Learning to impact and improve the learning experience. Gaia 3D engineer, David Richens, attended the event putting on 3D demonstrations for fair attendees.

“The JCB stand was the busiest stand there,” commented David Richens. “The traffic never stopped. Kids and teachers were constantly rolling in the door. The excitement was palpable. We had a 100% positive reaction with everyone saying ‘I want this in my school’!” he added.

Students and teachers alike were queuing for the 3D experience
The 3D demonstration also attracted other exhibitors, with representatives from the British Army and Rolls Royce paying visits to the stand.

The event took place at ICC London ExCeL from 10-12 March 2011.