From the Leader of Learning Technologies
Exploring Virtual Reality in the classroom
It is fantastic to see the College’s Virtual Reality (VR) Kit being used in a range of subjects. Ms Kirsty Robinson’s Year 9 English class is learning how to empathise with asylum seekers and refugees, people whose experience may be vastly removed from their own, so they can persuasively advocate on their behalf. Using the VR Kit, they recently experienced the reality of life as a refugee first hand by visiting the Za’atari camp in Jordan with Sidra, a young Syrian refugee.
Savannah “This VR experience broadened my understanding of refugees and how their lives are hugely impacted by war, poverty, discrimination and even persecution in their home country.”
Jasmeen “It was like I was standing in a refugee camp. It was very different from our lives.”
Cody “The VR experience significantly broadened my perspective on refugee issues within Australia.”
As part of their investigation into the management and protection of landscapes, Mrs James’ Year 7 HSIE class explored the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’ with the VR Kit.
They travelled to:
- The Taj Mahal
- The Great Wall of China
- The Colosseum of Rome
- Chichén-Itzá
- Petra
- Rio de Janeiro
- Machu Picchu
Below are some comments from the Year 7 students:
Archer “The VR was an amazing experience! From the huge brick walls of the Roman Colosseum to the architectural masterpiece of the Taj Mahal, it was a very unique experience being able to look around some of the world's wonders. I definitely want to do it again!”
Amber “During this lesson, I learnt why the 7 New Wonders of the World are so important and why people need to manage and protect them. While I was experiencing the Colosseum of Rome, I enjoyed hearing about its history and what it was used for in the past.”
Luciano “The VR was a unique experience, being able to look around the places we normally just see from one angle was incredible!”
Taj "This is a great way to learn in class, I think this is the most immersive way of learning about geography.”
Ruby T “I really enjoyed the VR experience. This was really fun! I learnt a lot about the different world heritage sites, and I was moving my head around the whole time so that I could see everything around me.”
Scarlett “I really enjoyed the VR experience and viewing the different world heritage sites. I liked how when we turned our heads around we could see all around us. It felt like I was actually there.”
Hunter “The VR activity was a new experience and I can't wait to do it again!”
Ruby S “During the VR headset lesson, I learnt that there is a new set of seven wonders of the world. and that they were voted on a couple of years ago. I really liked that when using the VR headsets you got to see the different places from a range of perspectives.”
Ethan “An immersive experience of the wonders of the world.”
As you can see this experience deepened the engagement and depth of understanding of 7E!
I look forward to working across a range of faculties to embed VR into our learning and teaching at SJC this year.
Mrs Georgia James
Leader of Learning Technologies
