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Highland Ranch students experience 3D learning

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Highland Ranch Elementary School students took a trip around the world Monday without ever leaving campus, thanks to a Google pilot program.

The program gave 160 students from 12 classrooms ranging from second to fifth grade a chance to experiment with Google Cardboard, a virtual reality device that offers over 200 “experiences,” including exploring the Great Barrier Reef, a volcano, the stratosphere and much more.

Most of the experiences are science-based, and each teacher was able to select what experience their class used based on their curriculum.

More than just a still image, the Google Cardboard device allowed the students to experience the 360-degree image in 3D. Their teacher was able to control the image from a tablet, as well as draw on the image to point out specific things to their students.

Highland Ranch’s participation in the pilot program was spearheaded by third grade teacher Lauren Pfannenstiel, who is out on maternity leave. In her absence, fifth grade teachers Sandy Hardy and Cathy Lachel took up the reins.

“It’s absolutely a hit,” said Principal Cindy Venolia of the pilot program.

Venolia said the school works hard to only implement technology that is both fun and educational, and she found the Google Cardboard device to be both. “I think it would be amazing if we could (permanently have Google Cardboard in our school),” she said.

While the students were able to enjoy the devices for the day, the school is unable to keep them. A representative from Google said there is no firm decision yet on if the pilot program will be implemented into schools.

There was no cost to Highland Ranch to participate in the pilot program, said Venolia, though they did have to get parental consent forms for all participating students because the 3D effect of the devices can sometimes cause motion sickness or aggravate a seizure disorder.

Feedback from the students in Hardy’s fifth grade classroom was mostly positive, though several students said they didn’t realize it would be a still image. Hardy’s students used the “stratosphere” and “Great Barrier Reef” experiences.

“It was pretty good, but I thought things would be moving,” said Shaliz Akhavan.

Kayla Vaughan said she thought the experience was “pretty cool,” and liked how it seemed like she was floating when she looked down while using the stratosphere experience.

Others said they liked how it related back to what they were learning about in class. “I liked how you could move your head and look all around,” said Brian Choi. “Learning about it is great, you see it and know what’s going on.”

Jenna Grider said it was a great learning experience and she enjoyed getting to experience what she was learning about.

Michelle Radecker agreed, saying it was better to experience what they’re learning about rather than just reading about it in a textbook.

Still, several students said using the Google Cardboard device wasn’t without its drawbacks. Angeli Sundar said using the device sometimes made her dizzy, and Casey Nichols said his eyes hurt a little when switching between looking at the device and not using it.

Overall, the students agreed it was a positive experience and that they would like to see it implemented in the classroom.

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