Giving Compass' Take:

· Getting Smart examines how technology is being used to build an inclusive future and takes a look at a few ways students are using virtual reality (VR) to contribute to their communities.

· How does virtual reality provide access to all types of communities? How does it allow youths to envision and better future for all?

· Here's more on how virtual reality is being used in the classroom to provide a deeper learning.

Creating a future that works for everyone requires voices and participation from, well, everyone. All too often decisions are made that impact communities, families and students without those groups getting to weigh in. Rapid changes in our environment, economy and education systems demand that we think quicker, design with the future in mind, and try to anticipate as many barriers and challenges ahead of time as we can.

Fortunately, technology can (when used appropriately) allow us to include and provide access to communities that might not have been a part of the conversation before so that we can formulate ideas that will better meet their needs and goals.

Virtual reality (VR) is one tool that can help young people envision what a different future might look like. VR can also provide young people—regardless of where they live—opportunities to engage with others from around the world whom they might not have had the chance to otherwise. Across the country, K-12 students are leading with VR.

The VR + ED conference, Students as Makers: The Future of VR, highlighted a few of these student leaders and their work. The conference “was created to support and expand VR programs in education. [Our] goal is to empower current student VR makers and help education tech leaders bring the best of VR into more classrooms.” The conference highlighted just a few of the ways in which students are using VR to contribute to their communities.

Read the full article about using VR to help the community by Emily Liebtag at Getting Smart.