Virtual reality lessons ignite Highland children's imaginations

14th November 2019

Daviot Primary School is delighted to share that their children are pioneering virtual reality (VR) learning in Highland to help raise engagement and increase attainment for all pupils.

The school recently acquired "ClassVR"; a simple to use virtual reality user interface made for education. Through ClassVR teachers now have the exciting option of preparing structured lessons in a format that will allow pupils to access the subject content using a VR headset. The heart of the ClassVR interface is the ‘holodeck‘. This futuristic ‘room' gives pupils a central place to begin their adventures and learning experiences. Across the holodeck, icons are shown, depicting educational activities, locations or experiences.

Easily accessible through Wi-Fi, ClassVR gives pupils new ways to experience learning and opportunities to interact and even create their own content for lessons. By using just their hands and simple head movements pupils can navigate around the icon, select and launch activities and experience 360 degree images from a safe sitting position.

Judith Pirie, cluster Head Teacher at Daviot Primary School, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer ground-breaking VR technology to our pupils. VR lessons bring the curriculum to life enabling pupils to visualise and understand a range of subjects and topics that we could not hope to facilitate otherwise. VR facilitates real-world exploration, for example the ability to explore the Egyptian pyramids as if you are really there, or to visit the sea bed with sharks swimming by. The school is most grateful to our Parent Council and local business AB Masonry who have both contributed to the exciting purchase of this fantastic resource."

The Highland Council is committed to delivering equity and excellence in learning and teaching and aims to ensure children in all its communities, whether rural or urban, have access to the same high standard of education and care while supporting rural areas and communities to withstand change and flourish.