University preparing teachers of the future
THE University of Sunderland is preparing the next generation of teachers for their future careers by using virtual reality technology.
The new VR headsets allow trainee teachers to immerse themselves into a variety of realistic simulations, which provide them with an innovative approach to teaching in the classroom.
Examples of these simulations include moving through the human body as a piece of food to learn about digestion, and skiing when learning about the Arctic in a geography lesson. One of the trainee teachers, Rhys Williams, who is studying BA (Hons) Primary Education, has spoken about the technology and the applications for it.
He said: “The possibilities made available are truly endless. My personal view is that these technologies could create very enticing experiences that could be implemented by external providers who specialise in creating and conducting learning experiences, in the same vein as specialist sports coaches conducting PE lessons.”
University of Sunderland lecturer Martin Holt has been instrumental in introducing the VR headsets to the School of Education, in addition to supporting the trainees and academic teaching staff in using the headsets.
Mr Holt has visited a number of the university’s partnership schools to introduce the technology to teachers and pupils.
He said: “As part of the School of Education’s Lecturer in Residence Scheme, where lecturers go into schools to share best practice and facilitate partnership work between the University and local schools, I have been able to see first-hand how effective the VR headsets are for both primary and secondary pupils.
For our trainee teachers, the headsets promote high levels of engagement during lectures as they become fully immersed in the content of the sessions.”
Vicki Stokes, Associate Head of School for Primary Initial Teacher Training at the University of Sunderland, said: “The introduction of this new technology gives our trainee teachers the opportunity to consider another approach to teaching in the classroom.
“Martin has provided students and the wider team with an excellent example of how effective these can be when used in a primary classroom.
“My thanks go to Martin for all his work in developing the use of this resource.”