“Virtual reality is a tool that motivates and involves all actors in the learning process – [virtual reality] is a new methodology for teaching different subjects, promoting teacher and student motivation” (School principal)
On December 11th, the Portuguese cluster of the VR4Empathy project hosted the online event “Virtual Reality for Empathy | A School Leaders’ Event” attracting more than 150 school principals, teachers and educational staff.
The session aimed to inspire educators to embrace virtual reality (VR) as a transformative tool for fostering emotional empathy and enhancing the learning experience.
Unlocking the power of Virtual Reality
The event began with a presentation by INOVA+, showcasing the VR4Empathy project and the profound potential of VR in education. Through demonstrations of VR-based resources, participants explored how these tools could promote EU values while engaging students and educators alike.
Key benefits highlighted by attendees included:
- Internationalisation of the school cluster
- Innovative methodologies for delving into subjects related with the EU civic values
- Offering enriching, inclusive and innovative learning experiences
- Increasing student engagement and motivation with VR, a tool gaining traction in professional contexts
- Broadening educational horizons
Joining VR4E project
The extent of which key-actors would benefit from the various advantages highlighted above regarding virtual reality, was clearly disclosed by INOVA+ facilitators, who guided participants throughout the roles and responsibilities of interested members in joining and contributing for the project.
Moderators further patiently answered to doubts, questions and concerns of participants regarding their participation and contribution. These discussions emphasized the inclusive and collaborative nature of the initiative, encouraging educators to play a central role in shaping the future of VR-based learning .
The target groups of the project, its scope to include various age periods, school cycles and multiple subjects, as well as the criteria for the selection of schools in the piloting stage of VR4E and of teachers in the capacity training, were some doubts that were thoroughly explored.
Introducing the EdTech Network
The event also marked the national debut of the EdTech Network, an initiative aiming to integrate VR into educational settings. Participants were invited to keep a close eye on the website and social media channels, who will soon disclose information on how to register and specific benefits attached to it!
Inspiring National Testimonies
Alexandra Nunes, a special education teacher, was one of the speakers that highlighted her personal experience in participating, co-designing and actively collaborating in V4E activities – from WP2 Design Thinking Workshops that delved into exploring, in the eyes of teachers and students, the motivation in using/learning through virtual reality-based educational resources; to WP3 Co-Design Workshops, aimed at producing, collaboratively with teachers, VR-based educational resources’ scripts on EU values. A joyful and rich experience was portrayed by Alexandra, who pinpointed the advantage in being an active agent in producing the materials – to grant its feasibility and relevancy -, and the honour in contributing for more inclusive and meaningful education.
Thank you, Alexandra!
Looking ahead: next steps
VR4E partnership is currently working in the co-design of VR-based resources scripts in the themes associated with European Historical facts, European Social Common Values and European Citizenship and Diversity. With the active involvement and support of teachers, the ultimate resources will be able to be integrated across different subjects and curriculums – in history, biology, geology, citizenship and more.
Follow us closely! We are counting on you in creating a more inclusive and collective educational environment.
Follow VR4Empathy on LinkedIn and Facebook for the latest updates and opportunities to participate in this exciting journey.
Are you ready to revolutionize education with VR? Let’s make it happen together!
