STARTUP BIZ URGES USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN SCHOOLS
A total of 128 exhibitors from different sectors and industries are gathered in one roof to showcase innovative services and products at the Cebu Innovation Expo, a three-day event that runs from June 12 to 14 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
A START-UP company introduced virtual reality (VR) as one of the innovations to train the youth on digital jobs.
Sergio Ramos III, general manager of PCI Innovation Tech Center Inc., said with VR, advocacies, businesses, education and government processes are made easier and more accessible to the people.
“We offer digital solutions for schools because gone are the days that we are bounded by the 2D. People appreciate animation but what more with VR to help with the topic or what you want your prospective client to see,” Ramos said.
A VR is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds.
Ramos said VR’s functionality helps the education sector in developing the skills of students in the areas of science and technology and game development, among others.
“What we target is to cascade education with the help of technology because we believe technology is the greatest equalizer with the help of e-learning and VR. When we create VR it should be validated by educators or subject matter experts,” he said.
In partnership with PCI, Neil Clyde Kho, owner of University iHub said they are training the youth for digital jobs like graphic artist and social media managers through the use of digital tools like VR.
“The company provides resources by connecting to the PCI that has the digital solutions for the training needs of the youth,” said Kho.
University iHub has been operating for two years now. It has 36 students who now have their own start-up businesses.
PCI and University iHub were two of the 128 exhibitors that participated in the three-day Cebu Innovation Expo, which opened Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Besides tapping the academe, Ramos said they are also working with foundations, government agencies and the private sector to spread awareness on the adoption of VR.
Ramos said this technology is also helpful in other industries like real estate. He said a company can save more when they invest on VR rather than putting up showrooms.
He said it provides buyers a different preview experience when touring a property and the opportunity to make changes before the actual construction.
“It gives the clients the choice on what they want and what they don’t want,” he said.