Traffic rules stick with virtual reality
The Dr. A. van Voorthuysenschool in Rotterdam uses virtual reality during lessons. In this way, very difficult learning children master traffic rules and prepare for an exciting rollercoaster ride in Efteling.
Image: Angeliek de Jonge
"Wow," shouts a boy who holds his virtual reality glasses tightly with both hands and looks around. When asked whether the traffic light is already green, he says aloud 'no' and he calmly waits until that time has come. The VR traffic lesson has been specially developed for students of the Dr. A. van Voorthuysen School, which provides ZMLK education in Rotterdam, the abbreviation stands for children with very difficult learning.
“Our students learn slowly and take small steps, which require a lot of repetition,” explains director Mariëtte Merkelbach. “They mainly learn by experiencing themselves and being practical. Because regular methods are usually not suitable, we are always looking for suitable teaching materials. ”
Preparing children for a place in society requires a lot of practice in practice, but this is not always feasible
“We are both ICT-minded,” adds Desiree van den Bemt, teaching assistant and ICT coordinator. In addition to tablets and IWBs, the school now has an interactive floor on which students learn to move. Van den Bemt: "And when VR became hot, we wondered how we could use it."
Zmlk education focuses mainly on practical self-reliance. “Preparing children for a place in society requires a lot of practice in practice, but this is not always feasible,” Merkelbach says. "Virtual reality can make that experience possible." VR simulates a world in 3D so you no longer have to leave the house. They soon thought of traffic as the subject. With VR, children can endlessly repeat the film and the accompanying questions, making traffic rules more permanent.
Director Mariëtte Merkelbach. Image: Angeliek de Jonge
Stoer
They found the IT company Edumersive willing to help them make the film for a reasonable price. The ICT specialists also developed a simple program with which the school can edit videos itself, insert questions and keep track of learning results. With the
they could start purchasing seven sturdy stand-alone VR glasses. “Some children had some balance problems at first, and others thought they could really ask the people in the picture,” Merkelbach recalls. Van den Bemt: "But they all thought it was fun and, above all, very cool to do."
The great thing is that they are completely absorbed in the video, while they can often be easily distracted in class.
The traffic lesson is about the route between school and the supermarket, where children get their own groceries for lunch every week. For this they have to cross a fairly busy road with traffic lights, which can also be seen in the film. They are told questions, which they can answer by looking at the answer with their eyes. They receive immediate feedback and also when they arrive at the store, at the end of the film, they are told how they did it. “Children love it, want to repeat it very often and ask for it themselves,” says Van den Bemt. "The great thing is that they are completely absorbed in the video, while in class they can often be easily distracted."
After a while she filmed students on their way to the supermarket. “You see them road signs
recognize that they look carefully to the left and right and choose the place where they can best cross, ”she says. "Really very beautiful."
VR glasses are now being used more often. They use it to prepare children with autism for exciting activities, such as a school trip to Efteling. Van den Bemt: "By showing videos from the internet about the roller coasters, they already know what to expect."
Trams and buses
The next topic is the transition to secondary special education, which is located at a different location. “It is a hassle with trams and buses to get there, so more than one visit is not possible,” says Merkelbach. "In order to prepare children well, we want to film a tour so that they can experience this more often with VR."
To prepare children well, we want to film a tour so that they can experience this more often with VR.
“The team has countless ideas that can all be translated,” says Van den Bemt. From how to make coffee to dealing with bullying, and perhaps letting children with autism relax who are restless. VR is a must for every school, they think. Merkelbach: "The great thing is that the ICT company has set up a platform where schools can share their videos and lessons." Van den Bemt: “All you need is a camera, laptop and VR glasses and you can get started.”
Want to know more? Email the school.
