Stepping into Empathy: Virtual Reality for Rural Oregon Students
Help me give my students a high-quality VR headset system, so we can unlock a world of educational experiences for our rural Oregon high school students.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Helland's classroom raised $633
This project is fully funded
My Project
Here's a revised version that's exactly 300 words:
As a high school English teacher in rural Oregon, I've witnessed storytelling's power to bridge divides and foster understanding among students.
While books offer impactful narratives, they can feel disconnected from students' lives. This realization inspired an innovative project: using virtual reality (VR) to immerse students in others' perspectives, cultivating deeper empathy and compassion.
Our "Seeing Through Different Eyes" initiative will use VR headsets to transport students beyond familiar surroundings. They'll experience the isolation of a Syrian refugee in a new country, the fear of a child soldier in a war-torn region, or the daily challenges of someone living with a disability. These immersive experiences will provide visceral understanding of distant realities, dismantling stereotypes and challenging assumptions.
This project extends beyond observation. After each VR immersion, students will engage in discussions, reflective writing, and collaborative projects addressing witnessed issues. They'll research solutions and connect with organizations effecting change, transforming empathy into action.
To assess effectiveness, we'll use pre- and post-experience surveys measuring shifts in empathy, understanding of social issues, and willingness to help others. We'll analyze students' writing and project work for evidence of deeper understanding, critical thinking, and commitment to social justice. Importantly, we'll observe changes in students' interactions, looking for increased kindness and inclusivity.
In our community, compassion can feel like a quiet whisper. Through VR, we aim to amplify that whisper into a chorus of empathy and action. This approach will enrich students' worldviews and empower them as change agents in their lives and communities.
By providing this unique perspective-taking opportunity, we're not just teaching empathy – we're cultivating a generation of compassionate, socially conscious individuals ready to create positive change in an increasingly interconnected world.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Helland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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