ITT bringing VR to school classrooms
PUPILS in four Kerry Primary Schools are set to start learning using virtual reality thanks to a new project being spearheaded by IT Tralee.
Ardfert National School, Abbeydorney National School, Tralee’s Educate Together National School and Scoil Mhuire de Lourdes in Lixnaw have all signed up to participate in the innovative new VR teaching programme..
Initially the pilot programme will see pupils taught part of the English and Irish language curriculum using VR and ‘augmented reality’ technology.
In time it’s planned to introduce the technology in other subjects such as history, geography, science and the arts.
The project uses VR-enabled low-cost digital devices which are used to create a “virtual, engaging collective learning environment” for each student in a class that can be controlled by the teacher.
The system is based around the Google Expeditions software, which is available for use by schools free of charge.
The software is run on low-cost, tabletdevices, housed in a low-cost headset ‘ holder’, with all units in a class ‘ tied’ together through a WiFi gateway.
All of the content within the system can be fully vetted and controlled by the teacher at all times from what is referred to as a ‘master’ tablet.
Dr Joseph Walsh, Head of School of STEM at IT Tralee, explained the potential benefits of the technology.
“Children have enquiring minds that are naturally curious and adaptable. Digital technology can create an environment that nurtures these values and harnesses these attributes. It also encourages the competencies that children will need to develop and thrive in future global economies,” he said.
The IMaR Technology Gateway and Lero at IT Tralee will provide tech support to the schools and will install and maint the school VR kits throughout the three years of the project, as well as providing technical support to the teachers involved.