Universidad Santo Tomás Expands Immersive Learning with New Viña del Mar Hiperespacio

The Universidad Santo Tomás (UST) has officially opened its second “Hiperespacio Educativo” in Chile, a specialized laboratory at its Viña del Mar campus designed to integrate virtual reality, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence into the undergraduate curriculum. This facility, managed by the university’s Interdisciplinary Center for Educational Innovation (CIED), aims to transition traditional lecture-based models toward active, technology-driven learning environments.

What Technology Powers the New Hiperespacio?

The facility functions as a modular laboratory equipped with hardware designed for high-fidelity simulations. According to official university disclosures, the space includes:

• Virtual and Augmented Reality: Headsets for immersive medical and technical simulations.
• Additive Manufacturing: 3D printers and scanners for real-time digital modeling and physical prototyping.
• Interactive Interfaces: Touch-enabled screens and integrated AI software to support collaborative student projects.

This infrastructure mirrors the capabilities of the inaugural Hiperespacio, which opened previously at the university’s Concepción campus. The university is positioning these spaces as foundational for its current pedagogical strategy, which prioritizes “active learning” over passive knowledge consumption.

How Does This Impact the Current Curriculum?

The implementation follows a pilot program conducted within the Kinesiology department at the Viña del Mar campus. Sandra Lisperguer Soto, head of the Kinesiology program and a CIED-affiliated professor, reported that first-year students utilized the space to navigate complex Anatomy and Physiology modules. By moving beyond textbooks, the university aims to improve student engagement in subjects with historically high attrition rates.

Daniel Olivares Camus, rector of the Viña del Mar campus, stated that the institution views this technology as a strategic asset to maintain a competitive edge in the Chilean higher education market. The university plans to scale access to these tools across additional academic departments throughout the 2026 academic year.

Institutional Goals and Regional Alignment

The project aligns with broader educational objectives monitored by the Chilean Ministry of Education. Ricardo Villalobos Rojas, head of the Education Area for the Valparaíso Regional Ministerial Secretariat, attended the inauguration and noted that the facility supports the government’s push for critical thinking and collaborative work environments.

The initiative reflects a growing trend among Chilean private universities to modernize infrastructure in response to the demands of the 21st-century labor market. By incorporating AI and 3D digital tools, the university intends to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical, industry-standard professional requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Location: The Hiperespacio is located within the 1 Norte building at the UST Viña del Mar campus.
• Strategic Focus: The project is led by the CIED to standardize innovation across all national campuses.
• Pilot Results: Early application focused on Kinesiology, specifically for high-difficulty courses like Anatomy.
• Expansion: This is the second facility of its kind for the institution, following the establishment of the first site in Concepción.