VR/AR
These stories look at how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are being used in state and local government to train employees like firefighters, EMTs and social workers. Includes coverage of VR and AR use in K-12 and higher education, as well as VR and AR startups building platforms geared toward government.
A new virtual reality program, created by Discovery Education in partnership with Edge at Hudson Yards, allows students to explore the skylines of New York City and learn about the work of architects and engineers.
First and second graders at Western Primary School in Indiana are piloting virtual reality games created by an assistant professor of computer science and informatics at Indiana University Kokomo.
The district used Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) COVID-19 relief funds to buy Avantis Education ClassVR tools for 17 schools. The technology will be available to students this academic year.
Thirteen school districts near the Mexico border will use U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP grants to buy ClassVR headsets from Avantis Systems, which come with access to a library of educational media.
The new Extended Reality Technology Center will bring together researchers from computer science, engineering, IT, fine arts and humanities departments to create new technology and curricula.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis' RISE grant helped fund nursing simulators and a renewable energy certificate at Northeastern Junior College, as well as a renewable energy mobile lab for high school students.
In order to get the most out of virtual reality tools, schools and universities need to train educators how to use them and address accessibility concerns that may come with adopting related programs.
A private, health-care-focused university in Dallas has partnered with VictoryXR to build a 3D “digital twin” replica campus where students can use VR headsets to participate in virtual courses and lab activities.
The movement to create online virtual campuses, or “metaversities,” continues even as slowly dropping costs have yet to make it widely accessible. The professional development required is another hurdle.
Virtual-reality labs opened this year at three charter-school campuses in Southern Nevada, with headsets, augmented-reality apps and 3D printers to teach students about immersive technology and digital product innovation.
