The VR4Ed Program
A pilot program designed to bring VR equipment and educational content to Idaho schools.
Learn More
From a little spark
may burst a flame
The Idaho Virtual Reality Council, STEM Action Center, and Blocksmith Inc. have joined forces to launch VR4Ed - a program designed to bring VR equipment and educational content to Idaho schools. VR4Ed will increase awareness of coding instruction and virtual reality as a teaching tool across the Gem State. Through the combined efforts of the agencies above and communities across the state educational kits for the classroom will be assembled containing VR viewers and Blocksmith's software platform.
These kits will allow students and educators to learn valuable coding skills while creating content that can be experienced on various cutting-edge VR hardware devices.
Selected educators will receive professional development, resources, and support for the software and tools related to this program.
Donate your old smartphone,
give a student an opportunity
Each functioning smartphone donated significantly decreases the cost of each VR kit allowing for more kits to be assembled and awarded Idaho educators. We are currently able to use the following phones: iPhone - iPhone 6 and newer, Android - 4 years old or newer. Note - If possible, we ask that you reset your phone prior to donating.
Donate & Make A Difference
If you are interested in donating your old smartphone to be used in a classroom VR kit please fill out the form below.
MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORS
About the Idaho STEM Action Center:
The Idaho STEM Action Center was created in 2015 because Idaho citizens are not entering the STEM pipeline fast enough to meet current and future Idaho workforce needs. Its goals are to coordinate and facilitate implementation of STEM programs, align education and workforce needs, and increase awareness of STEM throughout Idaho. The organization is working with industry, government, educators, and students to develop new resources and support high-quality teacher professional-development opportunities to foster a STEM-educated workforce that ensures Idaho’s continued economic prosperity. Visit stem.idaho.gov for more information.
About Blocksmith Inc.:
Blocksmith is a 3D Builder software for Windows/Mac/Chromebooks to build 3D experiences and games that look great on a computer/phone and breathtaking in virtual or augmented reality.
Using existing hardware, it minimizes cost of entry for schools and offers a familiar environment to students and teachers to create, share and explore together in an engaging way.
The underlying paradigms for modeling, animations and interactivity are closely aligned with Unity3D and help teach students the fundamentals of 3D programming & design.
Included in the Blocksmith School Edition:
- A detailed 12h curriculum leading students into virtual and augmented reality. On existing school equipment, students build rockets and make them take off into space, castles that they explore with their friends, movie theaters with their favorite youtube channels, etc. Each lesson covers key aspects of 3D programming & design
- Full hosting of content students create in a dedicated & safe cloud environment, fenced off from the outside world
- Teachers have full control to collaborate & share across schools
- Quest system for teachers and students to track progress
- Apps for all common VR devices- Cardboard, Daydream, Windows MR, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Voted #1 most liked segment by the kids in our test summer camps
Optional free apps to continue working/showcasing work at home, on students phones & computers
