Policing the Future: Arden University – Online Learning Platform
Arden University has a proud heritage of providing flexible and accessible higher education. They offer both online and blended learning degree courses that meet the needs of changing modern life.
Engine Creative collaborated with Arden University to create an immersive learning platform for their Forensic and Criminal Investigation BSc (Hons) designed to allow students to get realistic experiences whilst learning.
The challenge
Arden Uni wanted to provide a unique virtual crime world learning experience that would make this course stand out from other distant learning courses. Our goal was to create six captivating learning modules, each embracing a distinctive storyline that would immerse students in a thrilling simulation of a real-life criminal investigation. The core focus was to mirror real-life situations and scenarios, empowering students to confront decisions, select equipment and strategies, and step into various roles essential for the progression of the investigation.
Working closely with Arden University, the challenge was to expertly craft this realistic story that would not only immerse their students but also offer them valuable experience that would help them to develop their skills and understand what it is like to go through the criminal investigation process from start to finish.
Our approach
Our dedicated in-house team created 6 modules that utilised powerful technology to fully immerse students in a realistic story and captivating narrative. From fully rendered 3D environments that could be freely explored and interacted with, to 3D and AR integrations that allow students to explore and inspect evidence and equipment in their very own space
It was essential to accurately illustrate forensics and policing professions. As such, modules were incorporated to simulate experiences such as interviewing suspects, gathering intel, strategic planning, teamwork coordination, and decision-making based on the cumulated evidence. Students, as such, aren’t simply passive absorbers of information; they are active participants, taking on the dynamic roles of police officers and detectives within a realistic and engaging setting.
Modules also provide quizzing and learning checkpoints, providing analytics and reporting that both students and teachers have access to track their performance, accessed through downloadable reports or through the online dashboard. Each Module is SCORM-compliant and can be integrated into a learning management system (LMS).
Every module was intentionally designed to complement their learning outcomes and objectives, developed to be rich in content and, above all, compelling in delivery.
The results
Arden University’s Forensic and Criminal Investigation programme and Policing and Criminal Investigation programme have enjoyed added appeal to students thanks to the implementation of six fully immersive learning modules. The impact of this pedagogy has been tremendous, with participating students achieving notable higher grades and more robust learning outcomes.
Building on this success, two additional years of immersive learning experience are to be added, expanding the total to 26 immersive learning modules across the full three-year course. Arden University is committed to continued innovation and progress in education; these immersive technologies are enabling the delivery of more comprehensive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences.
A key partner for the future of learning
We are continuing to work with Arden University to improve their immersive learning experiences offering after the successful launch of the learning platform, being on hand and ready when needed. Trust Engine Creative to be the driving force behind your innovation. Contact us today to scope out your project. Let’s build something extraordinary.
