Glendale Community College Announces Partnership with Dreamscape Learn to Bring VR Science Courses to Campus
Glendale Community College (GCC) has recently entered into an exciting partnership with Dreamscape Learn, a leading organization in virtual reality (VR) education, to revolutionize the classroom experience for students. This collaboration will pave the way for the implementation of VR solutions within GCC’s curriculum, marking a significant leap towards an immersive and innovative learning environment.
The partnership was announced on November 9, 2023, and is the result of a state grant secured by Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank). This grant, totaling $4.5 million, will fund a five-year pilot program aimed at integrating VR technology into science courses, general creativity, and immersive education at GCC. According to research conducted at Arizona State University, students who participated in courses that integrated VR-based instruction showed improved academic performance and engagement.
Dr. Ryan Corner, GCC’s Superintendent/President, highlighted the significance of this initiative in preparing students for the evolving global landscape. He emphasized the college’s commitment to fostering diversity in STEM enrollment and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a technology-driven world.
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Furthermore, Senator Portantino expressed his excitement about the potential impact of this partnership on students’ learning experiences. He commended GCC for its dedication to offering innovative educational opportunities not only to college students but also to high school students in the local community.
Dreamscape Learn, a collaboration between Arizona State University and co-founder, Walter Parkes, has been at the forefront of developing VR-enabled biology courseware and a teaching platform that has garnered positive results. The organization’s immersive learning approach combines experiential learning, cinematic storytelling, and cutting-edge technology, leading to enhanced student engagement and improved learning outcomes.
At Arizona State University, over 12,000 students have participated in an introductory biology lab that incorporates Dreamscape Learn’s curriculum, resulting in significantly improved academic performance. GCC students will now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in similar VR-enabled biology courses, providing a unique and enriching learning experience.
The Virtual Reality Center, set to open in 2024 on GCC’s Verdugo Campus, will serve as a hub for these cutting-edge VR courses. This center, situated between the college’s renowned Planetarium and a new 116,000 square foot science building, forms part of an “innovation alley,” offering students a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Glendale Community College, which has been serving the Glendale community for 96 years, is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. With a strong commitment to providing affordable and high-quality education to its students, GCC has become a strategic choice for those seeking to obtain a valuable four-year degree.
In conclusion, the partnership between Glendale Community College and Dreamscape Learn represents a significant advancement in educational technology, with the potential to transform the way students learn and engage with academic material. As VR technology continues to evolve, this collaboration will undoubtedly set a new standard for immersive and experiential learning in higher education.
