News

Ankeny Schools Introduces Virtual Reality to the District: A Tool for Exploring Future Careers

Ankeny Schools recently held a learning session to introduce new equipment that promises to revolutionize how students explore future careers. A team of teachers and administrators, in partnership with Transfr, learned to operate virtual reality headsets designed to provide Ankeny students with an immersive, realistic learning experience. These devices align with the district’s postsecondary goals, offering a new dimension to career exploration.

What is Transfr?

Transfr offers students a unique opportunity to learn and practice essential trade skills in a safe virtual environment. This platform utilizes immersive technologies to deliver hands-on training, helping learners build both confidence and competence. Dedicated to creating pathways from the classroom to careers, Transfr prepares future workers for success across various industries. It is a valuable resource for students looking to develop practical skills and thrive in their chosen fields.

What Are Staff Saying?

Nancy Lehman, Student Services Director, highlighted the inclusive potential of this technology, stating, “We have a population of students who need something different, and this reaches them.” Mike Mertz added, “It’s also a way to add confidence—I did it, now I can go talk about my experience.”

Nancy elaborated, “It’s interesting to watch how all layers of education and the complexity of skills have to work together to pull it off. If we can give students this exposure, it can significantly impact their success in job placement. It ties directly to the postsecondary goal and strategic plan, connecting our work to the vision of the system, which is really important.”

Ryan Leonhardt, Workforce Manager for Transfr, shared a story about an introverted student who realized she could pursue a healthcare job through a virtual reality simulation. When asked why she hadn’t considered the job before, she explained it was because she thought she would have to talk to people. In the simulation, she learned that many of the people she would interact with would be asleep. This realization only came through the virtual reality experience, showcasing the technology’s potential to open up career possibilities students might not have considered otherwise.

Instructional Purpose

This innovative use of virtual reality in Ankeny Schools aims to better prepare students for their future careers by providing them with practical, immersive experiences that connect directly to their postsecondary goals.