Enjoying the Virtual Reality Lab
It has been a year of changes to the library media center at Westerville South High School. Media Specialist Debbie King changed the name to the “iStudio” indicating that this is a space where investigation, inspiration, imagination, intellect, and inquiry are paramount. She rearranged the room, added different types of tables and seating, and carved out a makerspace area.
However, pupils are most excited about the additions of Video, Audio, and Virtual Reality Labs, which give them real world experiences. King has been teaching students and staff how to record in front of the green screen and use the WeVideo program to create videos to explain concepts for their classes. The Video News Team develops their Friday morning broadcasts in the space. Some students are making music in the Audio Lab using the new MIDI keyboard controller and microphones, and plan to record an album. Others are recording podcasts for class projects. South is grateful to Westfield Insurance for their grant, on behalf of the winning Brain Game team, that provided partial funding for these two labs.
The big hit, though, is the new Virtual Reality Lab, sponsored by South’s Academic Boosters. Job Coach Jay Smith introduced the team to virtual reality early in the school year and inspired the Boosters to invest in the equipment. Art students have the opportunity to create sculptures and paintings using the Tilt Brush program. Anatomy students can dissect the human body down to its smallest parts using the 3D Organon VR Anatomy program. GE Neuro lets biology and psychology students learn more about the brain. Physics students manipulate vectors with CalcFlow. World Languages teachers can take their students anywhere in the world and walk the streets in Google Earth. These are just a few of many educational programs pupils can explore in the amazing new iStudio.