Food Technology Laboratory
An immersive 3D learning environment developed at ORT Braude College to help Biotechnology Engineering students prepare for practical Food Technology laboratory work before entering the lab in person.
Preparing Students Before Practical Lab Work
As part of the course Food Technology and FoodTec in the Biotechnology Engineering program at ORT Braude College, second-year students are using immersive digital technology to prepare for laboratory activities in a new and interactive way.
A Digital Twin of the Laboratory
Using Matterport technology, the project team created a 3D virtual model of the Food Technology Laboratory. The space is being enriched with interactive tags, text, images and videos designed to guide students through the laboratory’s equipment and procedures.
Explore the Food Technology Laboratory
Navigate through the virtual lab and become familiar with the learning environment before practical sessions begin.
What students can do before entering the lab
The Digital Twin is designed to help future cohorts arrive better prepared, more confident and more familiar with the laboratory environment.
Walk through the Lab
Students can take a virtual walk through the laboratory and become familiar with its physical organisation.
Identify Instruments
Explore the different instruments and equipment used during Food Technology experiments.
Access Instructions
Interactive content can provide explanations and guidance on how laboratory equipment should be used.
Understand Tasks
Students can gain a clearer understanding of their responsibilities before beginning practical activities.
More than a 3D walkthrough
The Matterport environment is designed to combine spatial exploration with supporting educational material.
Interactive Tags & Instructions
The virtual laboratory is being enriched with tags, explanatory text and equipment-related information, allowing learners to connect specific locations with relevant instructions and procedures.
Images & Video
Additional visual media can support demonstrations, reinforce understanding and provide students with useful preparation material before hands-on sessions.
Student-Led Development
The initiative is led by Lecturer Yoav Merom in collaboration with students Marwan Mansour and Dianna Daxa, who are developing the project as part of their final-year requirements. Once completed, the virtual tour is intended to serve as an educational resource for future student cohorts.
Safety, Readiness & Better Practical Learning
The Food Technology Laboratory Digital Twin demonstrates how immersive technology can strengthen preparation before laboratory work. By allowing students to explore equipment, instructions and procedures in advance, the project supports safety, efficiency and readiness while bridging traditional laboratory education with modern digital learning technologies.