Reconnecting with Gen Z through VR: Why returning to the campus matters in a digital world
Across the world, Gen Z students are reshaping the university experience. With online learning, hybrid models, and digital-first lifestyles, campus attendance has dropped dramatically. Many young learners now value flexibility, autonomy, and digital connection over traditional, in-person experiences. But what are we losing when students don’t come to campus?
This session explores the intersection of technology, social connection, and wellbeing, revealing how the right balance of digital innovation and physical presence can re-energise student life.
Hear from different perspectives about how immersive community-driven tools can create hybrid hubs supporting wellbeing, creativity, and lifelong learning. The session will focus on a sample case involving object-based learning (OBL) and virtual OBL with the use of virtual reality (VR) tools.

