How Immersive Spaces Are Redefining Training at Østfold University College

Imagine training paramedics in the chaos of a roadside accident—without leaving the classroom. Or preparing nursing students for high-pressure hospital scenarios before they step onto a real ward. At SimFredrikstad, Østfold University College’s 2000 m² simulation center in Fredrikstad, this is now reality through a new immersive learning environment that adapts to multiple real-world scenarios at the push of a button. Instead of relying solely on specialized training rooms, the university recognized a need for a flexible, high-impact immersive space—one that could adapt to a wide range of lifelike scenarios whenever required.

During their research, Østfold University College discovered 3DBear through a contact at OsloMet. 3DBear is an organization specializing in immersive technology for education. Impressed by the interactive learning environments, the university recognized that 3DBear’s solution went beyond standard projection-based systems, enabling students to actively engage with realistic scenarios, deepening their understanding through hands-on experience.

"After learning about the solution, we realized that this was exactly what we had been looking for. The possibility not only to change the surroundings in the room but also to interact with hotspots and scenarios was really exciting and offered a whole new approach to teaching and learning”, says Marian Bringa Arntsen, Adviser at SimFredrikstad at the faculty of Health, Welfare and Organisation, who has been coordinating the project at SimFredrikstad.

Seamless Collaboration with 3DBear

Turning vision into reality requires a solid partnership. Though the installation presented a potentially challenging situation—with multiple pipes, fan coils, and other infrastructure running across the ceiling—close collaboration between Østfold University College and 3DBear ensured these obstacles were smoothly overcome. Open communication and careful planning, from projector placement to software optimization, allowed the team to deliver a result that exceeded expectations. As Marian said:

"From the start, our collaboration with 3DBear was smooth and professional. They worked closely with us to ensure that every technical aspect was considered... Now, we are very happy with the results!"

Today, the university’s immersive space is fully operational, setting the stage for simulation-based training in areas ranging from paramedic response drills to hospital ward re-creations for nursing students. While the first pilot scenarios are planned for next semester, faculty members from various disciplines are already exploring ways to integrate this technology into their curricula. Potential use cases include illustrating complex physiological processes—such as blood glucose regulation—to help students grasp abstract concepts, as well as medication management scenarios that strengthen critical decision-making in a controlled setting.

Østfold University College’s new immersive room has already drawn interest from other Norwegian institutions. Although the project is still in its early stages, colleagues from across the country are keen to see the technology in action. This enthusiasm signals a wider shift: immersive learning is reshaping education, making it more engaging, dynamic, and effective.

Immersive learning in action: Nursing scenario at Simfredrikstad campus.

Expanding the Potential of Immersive Learning

Educational institutions worldwide face the challenge of creating realistic, cost-effective training environments. Traditional approaches demand extensive physical setups and can be costly to maintain. Immersive technology offers a scalable alternative, allowing multiple scenarios to be simulated in a single adaptive space. This not only maximizes resources but also heightens student engagement, knowledge retention, and practical skills.

At 3DBear, we don’t just build immersive spaces—we redefine how training is done. By combining high-resolution visuals, audio, and interactive elements, our solution goes beyond passive viewing, letting students step inside real-world scenarios. From paramedics practicing roadside trauma care to nurses refining their patient-handling techniques, immersive learning is transforming education and professional training alike.

Join Our Webinar: Discover the Future of Immersive Training

Don’t just read about it—experience it. 3DBear is hosting a webinar where Østfold University College will share firsthand insights into their immersive technology journey. Whether you’re looking to modernize simulation-based training, improve student engagement, or explore new educational frontiers, this session will deliver real-world examples of how immersive learning environments can revolutionize your institution.

Stay tuned for the upcoming webinar and discover how immersive learning can elevate training and reshape education in a world that demands adaptability, efficiency, and innovation.

Questions or comments, contact Rasmus, Head of Immersive Spaces.

Rasmus Borg, rasmus@3dbear.fi