Once we have created our Virtual College version of the Thurrock Learning Campus it will enable us to explore the integration of a number of new technologies in the "real" world. Technology works best when it is "designed-in" to buildings rather than added on afterwards. Through experimentation with the virtual building we intend to make the most of new technologies like Microsoft Surface, mobile technologies, cloud delivery of applications and to explore the use of 3d worlds as a delivery environment.

The virtual Thurrock Learning Campus will also help us manage the real world building. We anticipate that by the planned date of opening 2013 that the Virtual building will be integrated with aspects of the real world building management systems.

This might include heating and cooling, access control and timetabling. We imagine that a student looking for access to an IT or specialist resource would be able to consult a Surface or mobile device and be shown on a fully interactive 3d model when and where that resource was available. Potentially it could even act as type of "sat-nav" for moving round the building.

A less immediately practical but intriguing possibility is a large screen located in the central atrium of the building showing the same space in the Virtual version. In turn the Virtual building atrium could contain a screen showing a real-time stream of the real-world atrium. One thing we are sure of is that the pace of change and experience of playing with these models now, will suggest dozens of ideas that enhance the learner's experience of the building.