As part of her ETF Technical Teaching Fellowship, North Hertfordshire College science tutor Dr Rana ElFarra was invited to parliament for an event celebrating the work each Fellow has completed.
The event provided the chance for Fellows to share details of their research projects with the guests in attendance, including Helen Hayes MP, who is a strong advocate for the Further Education sector.
Dr Rana’s Fellowship focuses on creating an interactive virtual reality experience that enhances Science T Level teaching and learning. Her project uses avatars and other immersive technologies to allow learners to develop practical skills in a safe and familiar environment. These skills can then be applied to their work placements and future careers.
Since April 2025, Rana has worked closely with University College London (UCL) to use their technology to create an NHC Virtual Hub building as part of this project. The digital space features 6 labs, a careers hall, and a gallery, and is accessible via VR headsets. There’s even a virtual anatomy suite, where students can look at slides about any organ system and place them in the right place on a virtual body.
All of NHC’s science students have access to the NHC Virtual Hub as part of the pilot programme, including our BTEC Level 3 students and T Level learners.
The project is already having a positive impact on students, with one of NHC’s Science learners commenting: “Using the NHC Virtual Hub really helped me understand how what we learn in class applies in real industry settings. It felt realistic and engaging and gave me more confidence in my skills and future.”
A key element of the NHC Virtual Hub is using VR as a tool in a lesson, rather than it becoming the whole lesson itself. Students don’t all use the headsets at the same time; instead, the VR experience is used as a lesson starter or a checkpoint, checking students’ understanding of topics and their knowledge retention.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Rana ElFarra commented: “The reception provided an opportunity to demonstrate how evidence-led use of VR and AI, delivered through the NHC Virtual Hub, can translate policy ambition into practice by directly linking curriculum intent to authentic industrial experience. Discussion focused on ensuring innovation is outcome-driven, scalable, and rigorously evaluated so that public investment in immersive technologies delivers measurable impact for learners, employers, and the wider skills system.
“Engagement with policymakers, ETF trustees, and FE leaders reinforced the central role of Further Education colleges as delivery partners in strengthening productivity, employability, and social mobility through high-quality technical provision.”
We’re delighted to hear the progress Rana is making through her Fellowship and wish her the best in the next stage of her project!