Tesda pioneers usage of XR tech in TVET

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) has kicked off the use of extended reality (XR) technology in technical-vocational education and training (TVET), as well as the conduct of competency assessments in the country.

XR technology encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality  to offer learners a more immersive and interactive learning experience.

According to Secretary-Director General Suharto T. Mangudadatu of Tesda, the adoption of XR technology in TVET is proof of the agency’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education, as he encouraged more TVET providers to follow the examples set by its early adapters.

“Let us seize this opportunity to reshape the landscape of skills development, and empower our learners with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world,” Mangudadatu said during a recent program in Mandaluyong City.

Country Director Khalid Hassan of the International Labour Organization; Engr. Ronaldo Elepaño Jr. who is the president of the Philippine Constructors Association; as well as Tesda’s deputy directors-general Rosanna Urdaneta, Aniceto Bertiz III, and Vidal Villanueva III joined the Tesda chief in the event.

As part of the agency’s 29th anniversary celebration, the launch was held simultaneously with an exhibit that showcased various applications of XR technology, particularly in heavy-equipment operations training and assessment. This was done in cooperation with First Balfour Inc., FELTA Academy, Hytec Power Inc., Lincoln Electric, and Tesda’s National Capital Region training center. 

During the event, seven successful candidates who underwent the first-ever national assessment in “Heavy Equipment Operations-Hydraulic Excavator” in the country using XR technology also received their respective National Certificates.

The newly certified workers are employees of First Balfour Inc. Their assessment was held last August 9 at the company’s facilities in Parañaque City. Early adopters of XR technology in TVET were likewise recognized.

XR is the umbrella term for all the immersive technologies that “extend” an individual’s real experience by blending the virtual and “real” worlds. Its use in training and assessment offers several benefits which include creating an improved, immersive and interactive learning environment, and improved safety in training as XR technology can be used to simulate hazardous scenarios in a controlled environment, with actual risks reduced.

Further, XR technology can make training more cost effective, allowing better remote learning and cooperation, while motivating students to actively join in their learning, leading to better retention of knowledge and skills.