Hermantown High School students are earning high school and college credit through virtual reality career and technical education courses launched this month by Dunwoody College of Technology, according to a news release from the Minneapolis-based institution. The program aims to bridge geographical gaps in skilled trades education across Minnesota.
Virtual Reality Career and Technical Education in Minnesota Schools
Dunwoody College of Technology selected Hermantown High School as one of six districts statewide to pilot new immersive technical courses this fall. According to Dunwoody Vice President of Enrollment Management Cindy Olson, the initiative was built so that a student’s ZIP code does not determine access to high-paying careers in the skilled trades.
The pilot program runs for 14 to 16 weeks during the fall semester. Students complete online lectures before putting on headsets for mixed-reality lab work. Hermantown is the sole Northland district participating in the pilot, with 13 students enrolled across two course options receiving the curriculum for free this semester.
DC Circuits and Global Architecture Pilot Courses
The curriculum features two distinct pilot courses focusing on electrical systems and global architecture. Scott Larson, Hermantown’s CTE and Work-Based Learning coordinator, stated that students are thrilled with the format because they can learn practical skills without leaving the building.
According to Scott Larson, learners watch lectures on the web before putting on a VR headset to practice house wiring and master the mechanics of DC circuits if they are enrolled in that specific class. He also pointed out that pupils can tour a job site to practice circuit tasks or explore the Sistine Chapel for their global architecture lessons right from the school grounds.
While formal labs begin in October, students have already begun testing the equipment. According to Larson, the district invested in five headsets priced between $400 and $500 each for classroom use.
Did you know?
Dunwoody Immersive combines online coursework with mixed-reality labs to allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which school districts are participating in the Dunwoody Immersive pilot?
Six school districts across Minnesota are piloting the program, with Hermantown High School serving as the only participating district in the Northland.
What subjects are covered in the virtual reality courses?
The fall semester pilot includes two main courses: electrical systems (focusing on DC circuits and house wiring) and global architecture (featuring virtual field trips like the Sistine Chapel).
How much do the VR headsets cost for the district?
Hermantown Community Schools invested in a set of five headsets, with each unit costing between $400 and $500, according to Scott Larson.
Do students earn college credit through these courses?
Yes, students participating in the Dunwoody Immersive program can earn both high school and college credit through the combination of online coursework and mixed-reality labs.
What are your thoughts on using virtual reality for hands-on skilled trades education? Leave a comment below to join the discussion, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on local K-12 and higher education developments.
Keep reading