Virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR) are immersive tools that can transform how students experience science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects, build valuable 21st century skills, and explore career pathways.
Join us the week of Oct. 21 for two exciting webinars with Harrisburg University exploring virtual and extended reality in out-of-school time programs (OST)!
Exploring Virtual Reality to Enhance STEM Learning in Afterschool and Summer Programming
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore the use of virtual reality (VR) technology as a tool to enhance STEM learning experiences in afterschool and summer programs. Harrisburg University will guide participants through the basics of VR applications, demonstrate how it can be integrated into current STEM curricula, and discuss age-appropriate implementation strategies for both elementary and middle school students. Experience an interactive demonstration of a VR activity, showcasing its potential to engage students and deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the benefits of incorporating VR technology into STEM learning for students in grades K-8.
- Learn about the hardware and software options available for VR integration in out-of-school time (OST) settings.
- Identify three specific VR activities that can be adapted for afterschool and summer learning environments.
- Develop a preliminary plan to incorporate one VR activity into their current or upcoming program curriculum.
Attendees will be eligible to win a Meta Quest 3: New Mixed Reality VR Headset!
Leveraging Extended Reality for Social and Emotional Learning and Career Exploration in Afterschool and Summer Programs
Thursday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Extended reality (XR), encompassing augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR), offers unique opportunities to support social and emotional learning (SEL) and career exploration for youth. Harrisburg University will demonstrate how XR can be leveraged to create immersive environments that simulate real-world experiences, such as virtual job shadowing and interactive scenarios for conflict resolution. Explore practical strategies for using XR to build skills in communication, empathy and teamwork, making it a valuable addition to both SEL and career readiness programming.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the potential of XR technologies in supporting social-emotional learning and career exploration.
- Identify three XR tools that can be used to simulate real-world experiences for youth.
- Understand how to align XR activities with existing SEL and career readiness standards.
- Develop an action plan to implement one XR activity in their program for enhancing SEL outcomes and career awareness.
Attendees will be eligible to win a Meta Quest 3: New Mixed Reality VR Headset!