Case Study: Utrecht University helps law students practice virtual pleading with SURF’s PleitVRij

Utrecht University - Customer Case Study

Utrecht University, along with other law faculties, sought a more realistic and effective way for students to practice and develop their courtroom pleading skills, which are often difficult to train within the constraints of a traditional curriculum. The vendor SURF supported this initiative through the Open and Online Education Incentive Scheme, which funded the development of the innovative PleitVRij virtual reality platform.

The solution implemented by SURF was PleitVRij, a revolutionary virtual environment that allows students to practise pleas in a realistic 360-degree courtroom. The platform enables live interaction with a presiding judge streamed in via video and allows for cross-institutional feedback from students and teachers. The project was a significant success, with both students and teachers reporting it as an exciting and valuable addition to education that builds crucial communication skills. SURF's solution has created plans to scale the project for broader use and to research its measurable impact on student development.

Utrecht University

Sylvia Moes

Innovation Manager