July 12, 2023 – With 132 school divisions in Virginia, recognition from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to Goochland County Public Schools for innovation highlights the stellar efforts of our community’s public schools.
As one of only seven school divisions earning the Innovative Practice Exemplar Award, VDOE honored GCPS for its work integrating virtual reality into the division’s classrooms. “These awards recognize the creative and innovative work of educators and provide an incentive for other divisions and schools to develop their own innovations to improve outcomes and expand opportunities for students,” Board of Education President Dan Gecker said.
GCPS enhanced virtual reality experiences for students by encouraging and supporting the creation of new content utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) tools used by professionals. “Students who experience creating apps using VR are not only communicating and collaborating to produce new content, but they are doing so using the tools used by professionals in the field,” said Matt Caratachea, Ph.D., GCPS’s Coordinator of Technology Integration and Innovation. “By using
professional tools, we provide our students opportunities to grow academically and prepare for their futures.”
The VDOE award also recognized GCPS’s efforts to incorporate strong connections in multiple content areas. “Students who have used VR in courses to meet the curricular goals of teachers have engaged in content in ways that were otherwise impossible before integrating VR into teaching and learning,” Caratachea said. “Not only can students visit places or engage in experiences that are cost-prohibitive or perilous, but they can create 3D models with almost limitless possibilities.” Just a few examples include:
• Environmental Science students at Goochland High School studied biomes and then used the VR app Wander to visit biomes around the world to see various flora and fauna.
• English language learners and AP English students immersed themselves in virtual communication while learning languages related to their content studies. Middle school students also used the same app in their foreign language exploratory classes.
• Students in Unified Physical Education (students with physical disabilities) could use VR apps to exercise with heart rate monitors to ensure they maintained the same fitness level as their classmates playing indoor soccer.
• Social Studies students at Goochland Middle School experienced the Anne Frank House when studying World War II
• Heavy Machinery students have access to a VR experience that allows them to operate a tower crane. Something otherwise impossible to experience in Goochland County.
“Through the intentional use of VR, teachers have been able to look beyond the flashy nature of first experiencing VR and, with the help of our talented Instructional Technology coaching team, have seen the potential of connecting VR to their curricular goals. Our VR efforts epitomize the value of learning experiences that provide discovery opportunities and build upon traditional instructional practices,” Caratachea said.