A high school in Iowa on Tuesday rolled out a virtual reality tool that could help students nationwide explore careers in science, technology, engineering or math, or STEM.
The tool, available for smartphones or desktop computers, allows students to watch interviews with STEM professionals at the job site. The virtual reality video allows students to view what's in front, beside and behind them by simply looking around as if they were there. Interviewers ask: "what do you do on a daily basis" and "what advice would you have for a student who's interested in your career?" while professionals demonstrate certain tasks.
Students view the interviews through a headset that's connected to a computer, or to a smartphone, which streams the video.
"It's incredible because students already know this technology," Assumption science teacher Wendy Martin said. "So the fact that we can bring it into the classroom to help them learn is just great."
The technology was developed by Davenport-based VictoryVR in conjunction with Assumption High School in Davenport. VictoryVR says the program cost about $50,000 to develop. About half of that was funded through a state grant given to Assumption last year.
The 20 on-site interview videos are free for anyone to access and watch by using an app, a smartphone, and a cardboard headset sold at retail stores. Schools can also purchase hardware to use on desktop computers, and then access guided curriculum developed by Assumption and VictoryVR.