Aldine ISD is leveraging VR technology to expose middle school students to global destinations and career-training modules without leaving the classroom. Since Dr. LaTonya Goffney became superintendent in 2018, Aldine ISD has embraced technological advancements to equip students with the necessary tools to create choices and opportunities. Virtual reality (VR), once regarded as a high-tech plaything, is now transforming education by expanding students’ learning experiences.
Gail Jackson, a teacher at Garcia Middle School, has been in education since 2007 when technology in classrooms was still a novelty. Over the years, she has seen how VR has reshaped her teaching methods and students’ learning experiences.
“VR has allowed me to build relationships with students in a way that creates a safe but fun learning environment,” Jackson said. “It has sparked their interest in future careers and has made them more engaged in the classroom.”
Jackson noted that the introduction of VR headsets has given students the freedom to explore different career options hands-on. “Having the VR headsets in my classroom has allowed the students to be open, work freely, and learn about different types of careers,” she said. I don’t know why we didn’t do this before. It’s a plus for us.”
The influence of virtual reality (VR) on student learning is supported by data from PWC. Learners who participate in VR training experience a confidence boost of up to 275% when applying what they’ve learned, which is 40% more than traditional classroom learning and 35% more than e-learning. One of Jackson’s students, eighth grader Carson Norris, has emerged as a leader in his classroom since using the VR learning headset. Norris, who aspires to become a surgeon, believes the greatest benefit of VR is its capacity to help students discover their passions.
“VR learning is helping me know what I want to do in my future career because it gives us real-life simulators,” Norris said. “That way, we know what to do when we actually get the job or if we even want that job.”
With this being the first year using the VR Headsets, the district has seen 784 eighth-grade students across Aldine ISD have had access to VR headsets, with 321 actively utilizing the technology to explore various career pathways. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, students gain deeper insights into potential careers, with Health Sciences, Law and Public Safety, Hospitality and Tourism, and Manufacturing emerging as the top career interests. Specifically, many students have shown interest in becoming Registered Nurses, EMTs, Chefs, and Welders, highlighting the diverse range of professions explored through VR simulations.
The adoption of VR is part of a broader educational shift, with projections estimating an increase of 5.5 million VR headsets between 2024 and 2028, according to the 2024 Virtual Speech Article. This growth aligns with Aldine ISD’s vision to stay competitive and innovative in education.
Kalwenda Lott, Aldine ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Director, emphasized the district’s commitment to integrating VR into learning.
“Virtual reality transforms education by providing immersive, hands-on experiences that enhance career exploration,”Lott said. “For Aldine ISD, integrating VR technologies like TransfrVR can significantly enrich educational programs by exposing students to various career paths through interactive simulations. Additionally, VR supports professional development by equipping educators with innovative tools to engage students and enhance instructional methods, making learning more dynamic and effective.”
Lott also stressed the importance of training teachers to effectively use VR in the classroom.
“Educators should familiarize themselves with VR basics through workshops and hands-on experience,”said Lott.. “They need technical training on setting up devices, navigating content, and using dashboards. Professional learning opportunities help integrate VR with traditional teaching methods and promote active learning. Building a supportive learning community encourages peer collaboration and ongoing professional development.”
According to Lott, parental involvement is a crucial factor in ensuring the success of virtual reality (VR) in education. For example, Aldine uses VR headsets during open houses and parent-teacher nights, which allows parents to see the impact of VR firsthand.
“By helping parents understand the value of VR, we can make sure they recognize its potential to enhance their children’s learning experiences,” Lott said.”This innovative approach can spark interest in various career fields, giving students the opportunity to explore career paths through the lens of VR technology.”
Looking ahead, Aldine ISD is preparing to expand its VR learning opportunities further. In the 2025-2026 school year, the CTE department will introduce the “Dollars and Sense” course, integrating VR technology to teach financial literacy, decision-making, and the role of technology in consumer and career choices. This initiative aims to equip students with essential life skills, ensuring they are prepared for high school and life beyond graduation. By continuing to innovate and incorporate emerging technologies into the classroom, Aldine ISD remains committed to creating real-world learning experiences that open doors to a brighter future.
As VR adoption grows, Aldine ISD is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge learning tools. With an emphasis on immersive career exploration and improved classroom engagement, the district’s investment in VR is proving to be a transformative force in education.
This news article was originally published as “The Future is Now: How Aldine is Using VR to Usher in the Future of Education” on Aldine IDS.
