In 2021, SWPS Unviersity’s School of Form, in partnership with several other higher education institutions, embarked on the ACCELERATE project to develop innovative methodologies, tools, platforms, and resources for accessible immersive learning in art and design in unfavorable conditions imposed by the global pandemic. After a few years of intensive work, we are ready to present the project outcomes.
The Legacy of ACCELERATE
One of the most significant achievements of the ACCELERATE project was the creation of a prototype platform for accessible immersive teaching in art and design. The platform was designed to democratize XR technology, making it available to a wider audience and bridging the digital divide. It was an open-source resource, which was scalable, sustainable, and served as an effective tool for introducing both teachers and students to the world of XR technology. The platform included teaching materials, co-created case studies, and the shared expertise of project partners. Additionally, forty Accessible Learning Student Ambassadors at five partner universities provided support to users.
Moreover, the main outcome of the project was a successful launch of a tool set and other resources, which enable the use of immersive technology in art and design education. These resources included:
- a comprehensive report summarizing the experiences of students and staff in art and design schools during the pandemic
- teaching resources, including guides and reflections on using immersive technologies effectively and inclusively
- an online course designed to help art and design lecturers incorporate immersive technologies into their teaching
- a Virtual Reality (VR) prototype platform, providing an open-source, ethical, and sustainable alternative to commercial platforms
- an Augmented Reality (AR) smartphone application for 3-D modeling and holograms
- frame VR galleries showcasing the possibilities of this new technology, created by art and design staff and students
ACCELERATE: Accessible Immersive Learning for Art and Design
The two-year ACCELERATE project, which was funded by Erasmus+, brought together a diverse team of experts from the UK, Ireland, Poland, and Ukraine. This collaborative effort aimed to tackle the specific challenges experienced by both art and design students and educators during the pandemic.
Researchers from SWPS University’s School of Form developed questionnaires addressed to students, lecturers, and technical staff, conducted structured discussions with focus-groups, and prepared a diagnostic report. The report shed light on the impact of pandemic and distance learning on undergraduate students pursuing degrees in art and design. It was one of the first surveys that researched the experience of students and teachers in this field of education during the pandemic.
The findings of the report directly informed the development of ACCELERATE's methodological guide, identifying key principles and recommendations for accessible immersive learning in art and design. The results were also shared with a wider art and design community through the project website, with the potential to inform pedagogical practice at other universities.
A Multinational Partnership
The international ACCELERATE project was a strategic partnership that brought together art and design lecturers, educational researchers, and learning technologists from the following universities:
- Bath Spa University, UK (Leader)
- University of the Arts London, UK
- Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Ireland
- SWPS University, Poland
- Sumy State University, Ukraine
- Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine
The project has made significant strides in enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of immersive learning in art and design. The impact of the project extended beyond the partner universities and provided valuable insights and resources for art and design education in Europe and beyond.
Learn more about the project