Grantmaking Snapshot: Virtual Reality in the Classroom

August 29, 2019

Teaching 21st century skills in the classroom has changed the ways in which students learn. Crestwood Elementary and Junior High School students in the Howard-Winneshiek School District have now begun using virtual reality (VR) goggles as a learning technology in the classroom thanks to a grant from the Howard County Community Foundation. The VR goggles provide an avenue for students to understand abstract concepts through an interactive and fun way. For example, sixth graders made connections to their reading by being able to “visualize” the setting, characters, and events of the story. In science, the goggles gave students a deeper understanding of volcanos and land forms. Bringing technology to the classroom is a must in education today and support from the Community Foundation helps ensure students are being prepared for college, career, and life.