Florida schools trial VR software and 3D glasses for learning

Classrooms in South Florida schools are piloting the use of virtual reality software and 3D glasses through technology developed by zSpace to help students learn science and engineering concepts; so far, students and staff have reacted positively to the use of the technology. The pre-packed lessons on workstations are Common Core-aligned with over 150,000 students reportedly now using zSpace's products.

Dive Brief:

Using technology developed by zSpace, around a dozen South Florida classrooms are using virtual reality software and 3D glasses to help students learn science and engineering concepts.

Many schools are offering the technology as part of pilot programs, such as one aimed at pre-med students or another that has created a mini-STEM lab.

Each zSpace station costs between $5,000 to $7,000 each, and eSchoolNews reports that students, school staff, and parents have responded positively to the use of the technology.

Dive Insight:

Last November, zSpace announced an expansion of its 3D-augmented reality STEM software for classrooms, and these Florida classrooms appear to be early adopters. The all-in-one desktop workstations are optimized for 2:1 student pairings, which may slightly help defray their high cost per unit. The pre-packaged lessons on workstations are Common Core-aligned. Over 150,000 students reportedly use zSpace's products.

One ridiculously adorable feature discovered by students in the software was a 3D unicorn that can fart rainbows, a trait that many students found "thrilling," eSchoolNews reports.