By Michelle GANIAN

As modern approaches to schooling and education continue to evolve, immersion into the world of technology becomes more entrenched. Recently, a press conference was held at Glendale Community College discussing the introduction of VR (virtual reality) into its STEM curriculum starting with biology and later expanding into chemistry, biochemistry and astronomy. 

Media executive Walter Parkes and Arizona State University-founded Dreamscape Learn provided an innovative approach to education, a program dedicated to placing students at the center of their learning experience. The technology is designed to create emotionally engaging narratives and uses the power of story to better immerse students in their understanding of the given material. For example, intro to biology is a particularly difficult subject for students to pass. When using Dreamscape Learn, ASU showed a 3.5 grade level increase in students’ academic performance. 

“My background in entertainment prepared me for my turn in education where I focused on the central theme of engagement,” said Parkes, whose experience ncludes movie production and screenwriting. As a result, Dreamscape Learn also gives students the tools to work in media. 

VR technology will also be available to businesses and community members, allowing them to engage in a high-tech environment.

With this vision in mind, $4.5 million was invested from the State of California into Glendale Community College.