XR and 3D neural pathway visualisation enhances student learning

The Bachelor of Psychological Science at Torrens University Australia gives students a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practical elements of psychology and cutting-edge technologies that will help them achieve their potential.

Throughout this course students build their knowledge of brain structures and theories of human cognition and perception in subjects including ‘Brain and Behaviour’ and ‘Cognition and Human Performance’.

As they progress, students can take advantage of tools developed by Torrens University’s award-winning learning design team to help them visualise and retain complex information.

Senior learning designer Ashley Howard Kerr and learning designer Nijel Ratonel share how XR, AI and 3D technologies are embedded throughout the degree, and how these help to deliver a more engaging learning experience.

“Our use of XR and AI tools is driven by the goal of enhancing learning outcomes, engagement, and accessibility,” Ashley explained.

“Our focus on personalised, immersive, and interactive learning experiences distinguishes us as a leader in the digital education space.”

Brain and behaviour

First-year students focus on the biological foundations of behaviour in the ‘Brain and Behaviour’ subject, including the brain structures and functions that underpin human actions.

As they work through this subject, students have access to the ‘Virtual Brain Control Room’, an immersive XR resource, which helps to visualise different parts of the brain and how they relate to people’s common daily activities.

This innovative learning tool lets students simulate a typical day for a virtual avatar and see how each part of the brain is engaged in everyday tasks.

Leveraging the Virtual Brain Control Room helps learners cement their knowledge about which areas of the brain and which neurotransmitters are activated during different human behaviours and activities.

This subject also gives students an opportunity to explore the entire nervous system, neurons and sensory and memory processes, all of which are important foundations for the rest of their studies in psychological science.

Cognition and Human Performance

By the third year of the degree, students can expand their knowledge of key cognition processes including perception, attention, memory and decision making.

At this point in their studies, they continue to leverage XR and AI-driven approaches to help them better visualise and understand the course material.

In completing the ‘Cognition and Human Performance’ subject, students will look at a range of theories about human cognition and perception as well as considering mechanisms of cognitive resilience, and how cognitive abilities apply to the real world.

This includes a focus on brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself (called neuroplasticity) – the brain’s remarkable ability to reorganise and rewire its neural connections in response to a learning or experience, build human resilience and learned optimism or learned helplessness.

The course also incorporates contemporary research on cognitive processes and human performance, aiming to provide students with the inspiration and knowledge they need to consider further studies and career opportunities in psychology.

XR and 3D Visualisations enhance the learning experience

Torrens University Australia aims to embed tools like XR into core subjects across the curriculum to achieve a more immersive experience.

XR is used to simulate cognitive tasks and explore neural pathways, helping students visualise complex processes like attention and decision-making.

The 3D brain connection visualisation tool (showing neural pathways) helps students understand the networks that underpin human cognition and behaviour by letting them “walk through” neural circuits in a virtual environment.

By doing this, students can observe how sensory inputs travel through different areas of the brain and how cognitive functions such as memory and attention are connected.

The learning design team at Torrens University Australia fully integrate these digital experiences into the curriculum so that they can best help students reflect on the material and improve their understanding of it.

Other innovations from the university’s learning design team include Torrino, a bespoke chatbot that students can interact with to reflect on and learn the application of theories to workplace wellbeing and engagement.

Each of the XR and AI-powered tools used throughout the degree is designed to combat the challenges that many students face when learning complex psychological theories.

Not only do they enhance the learning experience and boost engagement, but in the long term it’s hoped this approach will lead to better retention and learning outcomes for our students.