Excite and Engage Students with Virtual Reality
This blog post was adapted from a case study that appeared on District Administration. Read the full story here.
Educators tasked with selecting new educational technology (edtech) for their districts or schools are often driven by the aspiration to find solutions that significantly enhance student engagement, foster collaboration, and ultimately lead to improved learning outcomes. The integration of technology in educational settings has been a growing trend as schools strive to keep up with the digital age and prepare students for a future where technology plays a central role in almost every aspect of life.
One exemplary case of this pursuit can be seen in the Cherokee County School District in Georgia, which embarked on a journey to explore and implement cutting-edge edtech solutions to meet these goals. In their quest to discover effective educational technology, the district decided to pilot zSpace virtual reality at Teasley Middle School. This decision was made with the hopes of transforming the educational experience and outcomes for their students. Teasley Middle School, a Title I school characterized by a substantial number of English language learners and students with disabilities, took the initiative to implement this innovative technology at the beginning of the 2013-2014 academic year.
zSpace virtual reality systems offer an immersive and interactive learning environment that captures students' attention and makes learning an exhilarating experience. The positive impact of this technology has been palpable among the students at Teasley Middle School. According to Bobby Blount, the assistant superintendent for technology and information services, "Students are excited about learning and being totally engaged and invested in mastering the lesson." This excitement translates into a more dynamic and participative classroom environment, where students are not just passive recipients of information but active learners eager to explore and understand new concepts.
Moreover, the implementation of zSpace virtual reality has not only captivated the students' interest but has also contributed to tangible improvements in their academic performance. Teasley Middle School witnessed a notable increase in their scores on Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index, with a remarkable 10-point gain over the previous year. Blount attributes this success to a combination of factors: effective teaching practices, strong leadership within the school, and the strategic use of advanced supplemental technology such as zSpace. This achievement underscores the potential of well-chosen technology to drive academic success and underscores the importance of thoughtful integration of tech tools into the educational framework.
The success story at Teasley Middle School has encouraged broader adoption within the district, with now four schools utilizing zSpace virtual reality systems. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the value that such technology can bring to the educational landscape. By carefully selecting and implementing the right type of technology, schools can experience both qualitative and quantitative returns on their investment. The qualitative benefits include enhanced student engagement and enthusiasm for learning, while the quantitative gains are reflected in improved test scores and academic achievements.
In essence, the Cherokee County School District’s experience with zSpace virtual reality demonstrates the transformative power of technology in education. It serves as a testament to how strategic edtech integration can lead to substantial improvements in student learning experiences and outcomes. As more schools look to replicate this success, it is clear that the thoughtful adoption of educational technology can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world.
Want to read how another middle school is using zSpace? Check out this case study.
