Helping students learn

The first Cobb virtual reality computer lab will help personalize classroom assignments and lessons in a fresh, exciting way, said Stephanee Stephens, director of Kennesaw State University’s iTeach program. KSU’s iTeach program works with school districts implementing virtual reality and technology in their schools.

Stephens said virtual reality helps students retain more information than lectures and notes because students are putting their knowledge to the test through simulations.

“You’re really talking about closing gaps for kids that exist usually from the typical and traditional boundaries of education,” she said.

For example, Stephens said students who are working on an aerodynamics assignment could test their math formulas in a flight simulation to check their work rather than just working math problems on paper. She said students can also go on virtual field trips, as well as dissect animals through computer simulations.

Farrell said he only remembers the rancid smell of formaldehyde from when he dissected a frog in high school and not the actual lesson.

“This, you can actually get in there. You don’t hurt animals, and you can just get into every part of it,” he said.