The cutting-edge world of Virtual Reality (VR) has come to the Southern Downs to help students learn important life and job skills in a safe computer-simulated environment.
Disability service provider Endeavour Foundation introduced a range of VR training modules at Warwick and Stanthorpe State High School earlier this week to help teenagers train for employment and develop the skills and confidence required to safely conduct everyday tasks in the community.
The introduction of the amazing VR technology was made possible due to an $8400 grant from ACCIONA Energia as part of its MacIntyre Wind Farm 2022 Community Small Grants and Sponsorship Program.
Endeavour Foundation CEO David Swain said VR technology was visually-spectacular and attractive to students because it felt like playing a video game whilst also creating learning outcomes.
“This technology enables people to develop work skills and life skills in a safe environment before testing their abilities in the real world,” David said.
“It has proven to be life-changing.”
ACCIONA Energia spokesperson Emma Reiners said community grants were a core element of the company which proudly supported a wide range of projects and beneficiaries.
“ACCIONA Energia’s projects are about more than just energy generation,” said Ms Reiners.
“These projects help support, build and grow the communities in which we operate.”
Stanthorpe students learned how to use an ATM, cross the road safely, catch a bus or train safely, and the skills required to gain employment as a coffee shop barista.
There are more than 20 additional VR programs available through Endeavour Foundation should the school seek to expand its training offering.
David said the technology was originally intended for people with intellectual disabilities but had also proved a hit with school students of all ages.
“Endeavour Foundation has provided VR technology to more than 20 schools across Australia,” he said.
“We are continuing to work on developing new training programs for students and people with disability with the assistance of grants and the support of our community partners,” he said.
Endeavour Foundation is contributing more than 70 visual learning programs for people with intellectual disability which are intended to prepare individuals for work.
The Warwick Virtual Reality Learning hub was established with an $8000 Commonwealth Government Stronger Communities grant from
the local Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud MP.
The grant funded a major computer, VR headset, driving wheel, and a 75-inch touchscreen that runs over 100 Thrive learning programs.
The Thrive learning program is a series of fun, interactive and accessible learning programs designed by Endeavour Foundation and aligned to the activities offered in Endeavour’s Learning and Lifestyle hubs, such as cooking, fitness, and music education.
