I teach a couple different course centered around problem solving. The junior year course is focused on learning the design process and the tools used to make products. For the senior year course, we add on a layer of engineering and a layer of system design to the mix.
Students that sign up for my courses are curious about the world around them and eager to explore and learn.
They bring a variety of skillsets to the design table and apply those skills to solve real-world problems. Whether we are designing a product for eating-on-the go or studying urban planning within the context of sustainable development, my students take projects head on and learn not just new content, but also a lot about themselves. They have a variety of design interests from architecture to products to game design. The VR medium was actually a student suggested idea. I am supporting it for a myriad of reasons, but primarily because I know that student interest will take the learning environment to new heights.
My Project
This month-long VR pilot unit will begin with a tour of Valve and culminate with a showcase of lessons learned regarding VR in the education space. Between those milestones, students will explore the characteristics of headsets, develop early version games, and collaborate between departments (design, art, and computer science) in an interdisciplinary fashion. The components provided through this donorschoose project will enable students to run the Vive headset (donated by Valve) and also render 3D spaces/experiences they design.
The system was spec'd out by a student and will be built by students once the components arrive. The computer will be housed in a clear case which will allow any student to see the insides of the machine and learn the basic components of a computer.
I recently read Paul Allen's "Idea Man." Early in the book, he talks about his time with Bill Gates at Lakeside and how their math/science dept head along with a parent group pooled the necessary funds to lease a teleprinter terminal for computer time-sharing.
This was far beyond what was being offered in any other school setting. The opportunity to let our students explore VR feels similar to this Lakeside story. It will let them lead the way and chart their own path of discovery.
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. Wierusz and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
