VR AT SCHOOL

Beyond Textbooks : Virtual Reality Learning Solutions for Australian Schools

Immersive Learning: Virtual Reality Integration in Education

This one-day workshop aims to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to leverage virtual reality in teaching Visual Arts, Technology, and Science. By aligning with the Australian Curriculum and providing practical experience, teachers will be well-equipped to integrate VR seamlessly into their classrooms, fostering immersive and engaging learning experiences for their students.

Objectives:

Introduce educators to the potential of virtual reality (VR) as a transformative tool in teaching.
Provide hands-on experience with VR technology.
Align VR applications with the Australian Curriculum, specifically targeting Visual Arts, Technology, and Science.
Equip teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate VR seamlessly into their classrooms.

Agenda:

Morning Session (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM):

Demystifying VR: (1 hour)

Introduction to VR technology: hardware, software, and key concepts.
Interactive demos showcasing VR's capabilities in education.
Discussion on the benefits and challenges of VR integration.

Curriculum Connections: (1.5 hours)

Explore a curated collection of VR experiences aligned with the Australian Curriculum, categorized by subject and age group.
Hands-on activity: Brainstorming VR applications within your specific curriculum areas.

Afternoon Session (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM):

Getting Started with VR in Your Classroom: (1.5 hours)

Choosing the right VR hardware and software for your school's needs.
Technical considerations for classroom VR setup and management.
Best practices for integrating VR into your lessons: planning, preparation, and post-VR activities.

Designing VR Learning Experiences: (1 hour)

Develop engaging VR lesson plans that incorporate clear learning objectives, interactive elements, and assessment strategies.
Practical activity: Design a short VR-based learning experience for your chosen subject area.

Wrap-up & Q&A: (30 minutes)

Discussion and sharing of ideas for your VR classroom implementation.
Q&A session with the workshop facilitator.
Resource distribution: participants receive a curated list of VR apps, lesson plans, and professional development resources.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Explain the basic principles of VR technology and its potential in education.
Identify curriculum areas where VR can be effectively integrated.
Access and explore VR experiences aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Develop a basic understanding of VR hardware and software considerations.
Design and plan engaging VR-based learning experiences for their classrooms.
Connect with a network of educators using VR in their teaching practice.

Workshop Materials:

All participants will receive a comprehensive workshop manual including resources, lesson plan templates, and a curated list of VR apps.
VR equipment will be available for hands-on exploration during the workshop.