Thanks to the generous support of a Dickinson Public Schools Foundation grant, students are stepping into the future of learning—literally. With the recent acquisition of ClassVR headsets, learning has transformed into immersive educational experiences where students can explore ancient civilizations, dive into the depths of space, and even travel through the human body—all without leaving their desks.
ClassVR is a virtual reality platform designed specifically for education, enabling teachers to deliver engaging, curriculum-aligned content in a fully immersive way. Funded through a grant from the DPS Foundation during their 2024-25 grant cycle, this cutting-edge technology is now in the hands of students who are eager to explore new dimensions of learning.
“When I put on the headset, it felt like I was really exploring the ocean and swimming with sharks!” said a fifth-grade student. “I never thought I could see what it’s like because I haven’t even been to an ocean! It was so awesome!”
Teachers are equally enthusiastic about the impact ClassVR is having in the classroom. Nicole Kittleson, a DPS teacher, shared how virtual reality can change the way lessons are delivered. “Our students absolutely loved the ClassVR activity! They were engaged from start to finish, while being immersed in new adventures that sparked their curiosity and imagination. It was incredible to see their reactions as they explored places and concepts that would otherwise be out of reach for them. It offers a whole new dimension to learning that goes beyond the normal textbook and slideshow that students are used to seeing.”
The grant from the DPS Foundation covered the purchase of the ClassVR headsets, full access to specialized resources, and teacher training to integrate virtual reality into the curriculum across multiple subjects. The initiative aligns with the school’s commitment to innovative, student-centered learning strategies that enhance engagement and deepen understanding.
As students continue to explore new worlds through ClassVR, the initiative is already showing signs of boosting student enthusiasm for science, history, and even storytelling as they reflect on and share their VR journeys. This is just the beginning. With continued support and exploration, the possibilities for learning in virtual reality are limitless.
The DPS Foundation remains grateful for the community support that makes opportunities such as the annual grant program happen. For more information visit https://dickinsonpsf.org/.
