You’ve heard from many of us at here at Amtek before about our thoughts on augmented reality for the classroom and virtual reality training as a workforce solution.
If you’ve ever had the chance to get your hands on some of the augmented reality and virtual reality training technologies on the market, then you know what I’m talking about when I say it has the power to truly prepare students for future careers. The simulated scenarios are realistic and if the apps and curriculum are robust enough, there are plenty of resources for educators to cover the learning concepts they need.
An added bonus? It often saves counties money too. According to this CTE Director, he’s saving tons on consumables in his medical academies and robotics programs because his students practice their learned skills several times virtually before moving onto physical hands-on training. He’s also quick to point out that local employers place value in AR / VR training technologies to fill open jobs because the training is consistent and thorough.
We’ve seen this technology transform classrooms at the K-12 and community college level, which is why we are so passionate about one of the newest lines of training solutions we carry from zSpace.
zSpace’s AR / VR training solutions include hardware (all-in-one computers and laptops), software (full suite of learning apps) and educational content (hundreds of learning activities and teaching resources). It’s interactive, hands-on learning experiences cover a wide variety of CTE applications.
Automotive
zSpace offers an Automotive VR Training System that allows students to practice mechanic training in a safe environment in a reduce training space and while saving money because of the eliminated need for consumables. The are two key apps within this solution:
- Â lets students practice assembly and disassembly within a virtual shop where safety is guaranteed and practice can be repeated. Students will be better prepared for real-world training.
- is the first of its kind, 3D interactive study guide for automotive training. Detailed text and interactive simulations allow students to visualize and engage with content to deepen understanding.
Welding and Agricultural Tech
Similar to automotive technology training, AR / VR training for welding also creates a safe learning environment for students to start building skill sets (i.e. no risk of injury as with traditional welding booths) and saves on consumables costs (there’s no actual equipment breakage in a virtual environment). zSpace offers an app for training students for welder and boilermaker trades called by Mimbus. The tool teaches and assesses the students’ skills on MAG (Metal Active Gas) and MMA (Manual Metal Arc) welding. Welding students on zSpace experience less equipment breakage and less risk of injury.
Allied Health Science and Animal Sciences
zSpace provides a suite of applications to provide self-study experiences, hands-on laboratory dissections, and ECG certification preparation. Students understand more deeply with 3D interactive experiences and their engagement soars.
- is a human anatomy general reference. Explore human body systems, anatomical structures, musculoskeletal animations, and quiz questions.
- Â allows students to practice ECG electrode placement, understand relationships between electrode placement and the ECG strip, and study abnormal ECGs.
- Â makes dry lab dissection easy, engaging, and interactive. Design and save lab sessions and create quiz questions to support your curriculum.
- Students will consider how genetic mutation, which affects the muscles in the heart, impacts the person’s life. Students studying biomedical sciences or health sciences will find this lesson aligned with their curriculum.
- Â is a comprehensive package of detailed interactive dissections for large and small animal sciences. Additionally, content for small engines, transmissions, Human Anatomy, Botany, Zoology, Earth Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Paleontology is included.
- Â a powerful teaching tool offering veterinary students practical training of the canine Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, Digestive, Respiratory, Urinary, Circulatory, Lymphatic, Endocrine, and Nervous systems.
Advanced Manufacturing
When it comes to manufacturing, zSpace’s suite of learning applications runs the gamut on topic coverage, from assembling and disassembling models to building systems to exploring complex concepts.
- Â by Fun2 utilizes 3D model components, animations and system building to provide students with the structural relationships and working principles needed to develop proficiency of fluid power components and hydraulic systems.
- Â by Fun2 allows students to explore simulated 3D model components and animations to develop the fundamentals needed in a wide variety of manufacturing processes, including production, logistics and maintenance.
- Â by Fun2 utilizes 3D model components, animations and system building to provide students with the structural relationships and working principles needed to develop proficiency of pneumatic powered components and systems.
- by GTAFE allows students to bring the textbooks to life with a particular focus on preparing them for industry standards. Content includes electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and pneumatic principles. Students will explore complex standards and explore how these principles work together.
- by GTAFE allows students to practice assembly/disassembly, with a particular focus on preventative maintenance, and common procedures for manufacturing robots. Students will practice daily, monthly and quarterly maintenance procedures in this self guided application.
It’s not just CTE applications. K-12 learning applications span across multiple curriculum areas with a strong focus on STEM subjects. At the post-secondary level, a large library of applications cover Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing, Animal Sciences, Automotive, Welding, Natural and Physical Sciences, Forensics, Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Tech and Computer Science. You can search for applications by subject matter here.
Let us know if you’re interested in a demo if you’d like to see it for yourself.
