Kentucky schools embrace learning through virtual reality

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Escaping to another world is what it feels like when looking through the lenses. Some of Kentucky’s children are getting this feeling while learning more about what life after school could look like.

“In thinking about that, you want to ensure that there’s engagement, and what speaks to today’s youth? Technology, so we looked into the virtual reality world,” Gretta Hylton, associate commissioner in the Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) at the Kentucky Department of Education, said.

Since 2022, more than 2,000 virtual reality headsets have made their way into classrooms and into the hands of students with disabilities. It is a hands-on way to learn about work in various careers, whether that be in the hospital or a 911 dispatch center. It exposes students to new opportunities they could have only experienced on field trips before.

Starting this school year, students will get to explore what it is like to work at Kentucky-based businesses.

“It’s going to help promote students working in Kentucky and really finding employers that match and employment opportunities that match their interests and preferences,” said Jason Wheatley, transition education director.

Three Kentucky companies partnered with the project: Cleary Construction, Ingram Barge Company, and Conley Bottom Resort.

Students learn, interact, and eventually discuss the content, bringing them one step closer to discovering a career fit for them.

Hylton said it is important to find ways to help students understand that there are opportunities in secondary education.

“You know, to expose kids to careers that were available to them so that they realized and could see themselves as being part of the workforce,” she said.

KDE said students in all grades are benefiting from the technology and hopes over time, it will be integrated into even more classrooms.