We propose to purchase Virtual Reality headsets for our school district in order to engage students in a novel, digital learning environment.

Virtual Reality opens a world of exciting educational possibilities for our classrooms. With VR headsets, teachers can bring the classroom out of the physical space and into a 3D digital space, with new ways to explore natural environments and explore other parts of the world, from the jungles of the Amazon to the planets of our solar system. Students’ designed games and simulations can be shared in and experienced in Virtual Reality, enabling deep engagement with learning topics, and the ability to use their creativity to bring those topics to life.

To ensure our investment is effective, we propose to ask both students and teachers to participate in a survey at the end of the pilot stage to gauge the effectiveness of the headsets. The survey will provide quantitative and qualitative data on a range of topics, such as the integration of technology into the classroom and the impact of the headsets on student engagement.

At the one year anniversary, we will also conduct focus groups with students and teachers, to gain qualitative feedback and a subjective assessment of the impact of the headsets on teaching and learning.

These surveys and focus groups will be the primary means of tracking progress and the effectiveness of the headsets. We believe that with this data, we will be able to determine if the headsets have been successful in enhancing and enriching student learning, helping to build a strong foundation for the use of technology in our classrooms.