North Bullitt High School first in Kentucky learning through virtual reality program

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. —

North Bullitt High School is using virtual reality in the classroom and it’s the only school in Kentucky doing so using the interactive learning platform Prisms VR tech.

The VR learning experience is an innovative approach to reshape education and improve student outcomes.

With a VR headset on and controllers in hand, the possibilities are endless, and principal Lynch says the students aren’t easily bored by the teachings.

The freshman and sophomore students utilizing it are immersed in a digital environment that brings their geometry and algebra curriculum to life.

“It’s very interesting at first, but then after a while you get used to it, like okay, this is pretty cool,” said Leland Rohme, a sophomore student. “I think it’s pretty smart they did this for a new learning experience for most students here.”

Using Prisms, students are up and moving around, transforming the traditional pen-and-paper classroom experience.

Geometry teacher Kayla Dixon says it sparks their creativity and ability to problem solve. It also aims to help students who may find math difficult.

“It bridges gap with students who hate math,” she said. “They kind of get excited to do VR and that helps too with a regular day in the classroom.”

Improving low math test scores at North Bullitt was a motivator for Lynch to implement the technology a year ago. She’s also seeing how VR benefits teachers who are trained to teach the course.

“My teachers are really empowered to try new things and take risks,” she said. “I’ve watched both of my math teachers really grow this year.”

While learning math equations in school, many of us probably wondered when we’d need them again. With VR, students aren’t just seeing how math connects in the real world but are using it outside the classroom.

“With the measurements, I get a better understanding whenever I’m doing the projects at my trade school such as industrial maintenance,” said one student.

And if you’re asking how students are graded on VR assignments, teachers say perspective and participation.

“Success in a module VR is a student taking away a valuable experience,” said Dixon.

Lynch says the district helped with the $13,000 to secure the license for the technology. Currently, the school has nearly 40 pairs of headsets and controllers.

Science teachers at North Bullitt will use the technology beginning next school year.

Source: https://www.wlky.com/article/north-bullitt-high-school-kentucky-virtual-reality-learning/60345724