Virginia House Bill HJR534

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Augmented & virtual reality; DOE to study enhancing usage in K-12 classrooms & curricula, etc.

Impact

This study aims to establish best practices for integrating AR/VR technologies into the school curriculum effectively. By focusing on the training of educators and researching how these technologies can be effectively applied across different subjects, the bill seeks to create an engaging learning environment tailored to the needs of various student demographics, particularly those with specific disabilities or learning challenges. The implementation of such technologies could lead to expansive changes in teaching methodologies and classroom dynamics throughout the state.

Summary

HJR534 requests the Department of Education to study the application and enhancement of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies within K-12 classrooms. The bill highlights AR/VR’s potential to enrich the educational experience by promoting engagement through immersive and multisensory learning opportunities. It aims to leverage these technologies not only for general educational enhancement but also specifically to assist students with learning impairments like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD by providing tailored educational methods.

Contention

While no significant points of contention are evident in the provided context, there may be discussions surrounding the costs associated with implementing these technologies in classrooms, potential disparities in access among different school divisions, and concerns regarding how quickly these changes can be integrated effectively. The bill suggests that technical assistance will be gathered from schools already using AR/VR technologies; however, the effectiveness and feasibility of this assistance remain to be fully evaluated as the study progresses.