Five new digitally supported learning and research environments designed for Arcada’s education of the future

Over the past year, new digital environments have been completed and new equipment invested in. An ambulance simulator, robots, digital twins, and a digital rehabilitation gym to mention a few. The equipment is now included in the teaching, research, and collaborative projects of the UAS. And this is only the beginning.

– It is amazingly exciting to see our new labs and hubs emerge. Regardless of branch, our students must be able to deal with and act in work contexts where digital tools are commonplace. This is why our higher education institutions need to provide teaching environments that correspond to the working environments of today and tomorrow, and where research and teaching can be combined, says rector Mona Forsskåhl.

Picture from the opening of Arcada's new AI Human Interaction Hub. 

Innovation and influence to secure education for the future 

The new labs at Arcada are the result of an extensive work that was begun in 2020. The basic idea was to provide the students with diverse simulation opportunities where digital environments and tools are used. In addition, the research programmes and cooperation with the wider community was to be increased. 

– Together with experts in care, rehabilitation, technology, business economics and digitalisation, Arcada designed a concept involving five environments that, over a period of 10 to 15 years, would guarantee the Swedish language HEI education programmes, Forsskåhl states. 

The work resulted in a plan to build a health technology knowledge centre, to develop simulation tools for health care training, to introduce digital twins in technical training and to create a centre for bringing together AI and humans. In addition, Arcada planned to develop smart and innovative teaching environments in the shape of hybrid class rooms and an entrepreneurship hub.

It is obvious that these environments have filled a void, and that, in future, creating a more comprehensive understanding of digitalisation within every sector of the community is vital for a sustainable professional life. Today, we are already planning and realising projects that would not have been possible without the new environments and equipmen

Development through engagement 

The plan was realised with the support of external engagement. During the academic year 2021-2022, on the 25th anniversary, Arcada organised a campaign to raise funds for the new learning environments. The environments subsequently received funding in the amount of 1,2 million euros, mainly through donations and project funding. The campaign received a total of 113 donations from foundations, companies, and private donors. 

– The campaign was a concrete example of the importance of donations and external support to Arcada. We can also see how the development work has increased the interest various actors in the community have in cooperating with Arcada. The data collection, made possible by the equipment in the new facilities, also creates opportunities in research and interdisciplinary development projects, reports fundraising manager Mia-Maja Wägar.

Picture from the opening of Arcada's new AI Human Interaction Hub. 

Better understanding and increased cooperation 

With five new environments in place and an anniversary fundraiser nearing completion, the development is only beginning. Already, several of the efforts have had a positive effect on both the teaching and the knowledge acquisition of students.

– It is obvious that these environments have filled a void, and that, in future, creating a more comprehensive understanding of digitalisation within every sector of the community is vital for a sustainable professional life. Today, we are already planning and realising projects that would not have been possible without the new environments and equipment, says Mona Forsskåhl.

Collaborative schemes between Arcada’s research and innovation projects, the students, and external partners have also been initiated.

– The first new environment to go active was the health technology knowledge centre, where we already have end users committed to the activities. The expectation is, that, over the coming academic year, students will be able to begin running a clinic. All in all, about twenty new cooperative efforts have been launched in 2024 with external partners, Mona Forsskåhl says.

Focus on the future – together

The development of digitalisation proceeds at a tremendous pace, but now Arcada is well equipped to support students in the digital leap and to simultaneously go on creating solutions that benefit all of society. It is an ongoing project that Arcada hopes to continue pursuing with everyone concerned. 

– Without the funding and support Arcada has received, the current development would not have been possible. As rector, I wish to extend my warmest thanks to everyone who has helped us reach our goals. Together, we ensure that Swedish language higher vocational education in the Helsinki region remains attractive and competitive, now and in future, says Mona Forsskåhl.

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