Mobile Virtual Reality Classroom Makes Stop In Deer Creek

Deer Creek Elementary students in Edmond got a chance to turn learning upside down, literally, on Thursday thanks to a mobile virtual reality lab.

The lab was only one of two in the country produced by the California education company ZSpace. It was housed inside an RV trailer equipped with a dozen different specialized screens showing images in 3D. Students used 3D glasses, which tracked a student’s head movement and a hand held pen-remote to dissect, inspect and tinker with a wide range of objects in a variety of subjects.

“It's just really motivating students to dig in deeper and learn more about the science fields,” ZSpace regional sales manager Brooke Cashion said.

The programs focus on science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Cashion said the difficulty of the programs spanned from the 2nd grade to medical schools. She added it's already being used by some of the largest automotive makers because it allows for an in-depth look without the consequences of mistakes.

“This is interactive. It's immersive. It's fun. It's a safe, free zone,” Cashion said.

But the labs don't come cheap. Schools can rent a base model for $22,000 a year or buy one for $50,000. It was unclear whether Deer Creek would be purchasing a lab. But the company says it's worth every penny.

“It's really inspiring students. Letting them have fun and excitement and experience things they'd normally be able to do in a traditional classroom,” Cashion said.

The lab is on a nationwide tour and has made stops in other districts in Oklahoma. It’s set to be in the Tulsa area next week.