Chilean university’s shared interest in innovation

Nicolás Olguín Aguilera and Arturo David Quezada from UDP’s Department of Online Education managed to pack a great deal into their few days in Auckland, on a visit funded by the Chilean Ministry of Education. They saw innovation centres and labs at AUT and at the University of Auckland, while a site visit to VR Voom in Newmarket enabled the pair to explore New Zealand-developed virtual reality and interactive experiences. They also met with Virtual Medical Coaching from Christchurch, who demonstrated the radiography and childbirth simulations they developed, which are used by Ara.   

Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) was involved in supporting the visit to UDP by an international education delegation earlier this year, led by Education Minister Chris Hipkins, says Market Development Manager Alana Pellow. 

“This visit has been a good opportunity to further strengthen the relationship and showcase New Zealand’s use of innovative technologies in learning and curriculum development in our universities and ed tech companies.” 

“Our time in Auckland has been fantastic for so many reasons I wouldn't dare to count them,” Nicolás Olguín Aguilera said.  

“Every place, every person we've met means a deep experience of discovery and learning. We came here to explore spaces that teach with technology and to meet the people behind them. The results are above and beyond our expectations. We take a great deal of knowledge back to Chile and look forward to keeping an active bond with our New Zealand peers.”