KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Students and teachers at Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kansas had a chance to try out virtual reality learning today via zSpace’s mobile learning center.
Senior Deshanaye Edelan says she feels like the virtual reality program would be very helpful in the classroom.
"I think it's really cool to be honest,” said Edelan.
The zSpace systems have science, technology, engineering and math programs.
Once a student puts on the special glasses, they can interact with the 3D object they’re learning about.
The Kansas City, Kansas School District have been looking into virtual reality learning as an additional tool for their students.
"As far as I know we are probably one of the first and we'll see where it goes from here but I am totally excited to see if we can get this integrated into our curriculum,” said Samuel Simmons, Curriculum Instructional Coach with the district.
Educators using virtual reality programs have seen an increase in engagement levels and improved test scores.
Studies show the technique also helps increase cognitive memory.
"Motivating and getting students excited and engaged is somewhat of a challenge for schools these days and having the virtual reality and augmented reality and bringing it into the classroom takes that learning level to a whole different place,” said Brooke Cashion, Regional Director for zSpace.
Cashion says the programs are not only beneficial for typical students, but also those with special needs.
"We find that sometimes students with special needs might not be as engaged in a regular classroom but the minute they get on zSpace it really takes it to an even playing field,” said Cashion.
Staff working on the district curriculum are hopeful that VR will be something they can implement for future students.
zSpace is fairly new to the Kansas City metro area, the company has implemented some VR learning labs in schools in Wichita, Kansas. Cashion says it has proven to be helpful with student achievement.
