New Virtual Reality technology at Days Creek gives students a new world to learn in
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Students at Days Creek Charter School in Douglas County are learning key concepts with new technology.
It may look like 15-year-old Days Creek student Trinity Merrell is using any basic computer program, when in fact, she's dissecting a heart by using virtual augmented reality, allowing students to learn in a whole new world.
“Very detailed and it's something you can't get out of sitting there and reading and sitting in a chair all day,” said Merrell.
The school is testing out two “zSpace” computers.
Students put on 3D glasses and can learn about biology, anatomy, and even engineering.
"A 2-D image is way different than a virtual reality where you can move it around and feel it and really get into it and look at it closely,” said Steve Woods, the Days Creek Superintendent.
The products were mostly bought with Measure 98 funds. And Woods says they're cheaper than using frogs or cadavers for dissections.
"Allow multiple kids to use it over a period of time and with no maintenance, really,” said Woods. “We see a real win-win for us.”
As for Trinity, this program is special in more ways than one.
"I deal with this all the time because I have heart issues myself,” she said.
And she says this gives her a leg-up to one day be in the medical field herself.
"Because I want to help people that are suffering from the same things that I am.”
Days Creek hopes more funding comes in so students can see a whole new world and future for themselves.
