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The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus Digital Learning Innovation (DLI) Unit showcased its cutting-edge approach to disaster preparedness training at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM13), held December 2-6, 2024 in St. Kitts and Nevis.
During the conference’s “Learning Lab” series, the DLI Unit presented a session titled “Leveraging XR for Disaster Risk Management Training: Enhancing Preparedness Using Immersive Technologies.”
The Caribbean, among the world’s most disaster-prone regions, continues to face severe challenges from hurricanes, volcanic activity, and climate change-related events.
To help meet these challenges, The UWI Global Campus highlighted the transformative potential of XR (Extended Reality)—which includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—in delivering experiential, scalable, and cost-effective disaster response training.
Dr. Karen Rosemin, Head of the DLI Unit, and Mr. Riaz Baldeo, Project Manager, Digital Strategy and Learning, demonstrated how XR-driven, scenario-based training environments can simulate high-pressure emergencies without putting responders at risk.
These virtual simulations help build critical decision-making skills, develop psychological resilience, and potentially reduce the incidence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression among frontline responders – which was highlighted at a number of the conference’s plenary sessions.
Traditional disaster training methods often face high costs, logistical difficulties, and limited access to realistic scenarios. XR offers a powerful alternative:
- Safe Practice for High-Stakes Scenarios: Virtual environments replicate real-life disasters without physical danger.
- Region-Specific Training: Digital simulations of Caribbean landscapes and infrastructure prepare responders for local environmental challenges.
- Cost Efficiency: XR reduces the expenses associated with travel, physical setups, and repeated training sessions.
- Scalable Solutions: XR-based training can be delivered simultaneously across multiple agencies and islands, fostering regional cooperation and standardization.
During the presentation, Mr. Baldeo showcased XR applications such as AR tools for damage assessments and virtual simulations of hurricanes, tsunamis, and flooding.
He also introduced an augmented reality tabletop game designed to teach young people what items to include in an emergency kit, underscoring XR’s role in both professional training and community education.
CDM13 brought together regional and international experts to address evolving disaster risks and explore innovative resilience strategies.
Through its participation, The UWI underscored its commitment to advancing disaster preparedness in the Caribbean through academic research and cutting-edge technology.
Noting his Campus’ participation in CDM13, Pro Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Dr Francis O. Severin, commended the Global Campus’ team of Dr. Karen Rosemin and Mr. Riaz Baldeo for their “foresight in coupling these modern educational tools with the existential apprehensions of the Caribbean Region and its people”.
He reiterated the fact that the Global Campus had a “vested interest in the education, physical security and emotional wellbeing of the Region’s people, wherever they dwelled in their cities, towns, villages, communities and hamlets”.
As XR technologies continue to evolve, The UWI Global Campus plans to integrate AI-driven adaptive learning and mobile XR solutions to enhance training initiatives and expand accessibility.
With these innovations, The UWI reaffirms its dedication to equipping the Caribbean with the skills and confidence needed to confront future disasters with resilience and preparedness.
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UWI is leading the way in using cutting-edge tech to address real-world challenges. Well done!
I hope other universities and institutions follow UWI’s example in using XR for practical applications.
A powerful tool in training, XR could help save lives in real disaster scenarios.
This could change the game for disaster management training in the Caribbean.
Impressive initiative!
This is a great example of how tech can help build resilience in the face of natural disasters.
I think XR could make a huge difference in how we respond.
This is the perfect blend of education and technology to tackle a critical regional issue.
Great to see preparation is in full swing.