ASU Prep Digital high school seniors engage in unique college experience
ASU Prep Digital online high school seniors were recently treated to a special experience filled with innovation, exploration, and camaraderie. On the agenda? A visit to Arizona State University’s Dreamscape Learn lab, a cutting-edge virtual reality playground like no other.
ASU Prep’s Microschool Program offers a blended learning model for K-12 students that allows students to meet in-person on a local ASU campus each week, giving them an opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers. This event offered a similar objective: to provide ASU Prep Digital seniors an opportunity to socialize in person. Additionally, the event showcased the unique relationship shared with ASU and the many opportunities it has to offer students, including potential future college or career paths.
Seniors from ASU Prep Digital and Khan World School were invited to sign up for the Dreamscape immersive experience with the option to bring a guest. Nearly 40 people attended the event over the course of three days. Many attendees took the opportunity to explore the campus while onsite, including stops at the W. P. Carey School of Business and campus store.
Immersive virtual reality = innovative learning
Dreamscape participants could choose between an educational module or an adventure course – some opted for both. They found themselves hurtling through space, interacting with creatures in a wildlife sanctuary, making diagnoses and solving mysteries. Casey Gaines, ASU Prep Digital Lead Senior Seminar teacher and one of the event organizers, shared that for many of the students, their favorite part was the learning portion.
This gamification of curriculum is an innovative approach to learning, driven by storytelling and a sense of wonder, which creates a thrilling journey. Realistic extended reality technology, like Dreamscape Learn, is the latest in EdTech trends that enhance learning for ASU students pursuing degrees in biological sciences — and more disciplines to come.
Ms. Gaines, dedicated to equipping students with the necessary skills to transition from high school into college and careers, believes that experiences such as this can open students’ minds to the possibilities that lie ahead. “It shows that the sky is truly the limit on ideas and opportunities. This activity might even inspire them to consider a STEM degree,” she says.
Immediate feedback from attendees was positive. Many were astounded by the realistic and immersive nature of the experience, which surpassed any other virtual reality they previously tried. Ms. Gaines herself tested out the virtual reality pod and was amazed by its authenticity. “It is really cool. You have the oculus and handpieces and the chair is vibrating too. Your chair is moving, and there’s wind blowing. It felt very real. You feel like you’re truly in that environment.” That is exactly what students experience while engaging in the virtual worlds of their specific courses: education through exploration.
Learn more
The Dreamscape event was definitely a fun day out, but also represents ASU Prep Digital’s commitment to providing innovative and engaging learning approaches for K-12 students. Find out more about ASU Prep Digital’s top-ranked, accredited online K-12 program.
