Virtual Reality being used for career exploration, job training
OAK HARBOR - Virtual Reality, or VR, which swept into the home video game market a few years ago as the next step in technology entertainment, is now a standard element of educational and professional training.
Locally, VR equipment is utilized in Ottawa County and Sandusky County schools, job stores and even children’s services offices.
VR is an interactive experience in which the user wears goggles which give a 3-D, computer-generated image of an environment. The user feels like they are actually in the environment, whether it be at a beach, on a busy city sidewalk, or in a speeding racecar. The VR equipment owned by the Ottawa County Department of Job and Family Services in Oak Harbor provides a unique experience: a simulated but realistic Children’s Services investigation.
VR used to train investigators working with children
The program allows the user to practice working through an investigation by having conversations with children and the people who affect their lives for good and for bad.
“You walk through the interview, and you actually say things to the VR. It gives you the experience of saying some uncomfortable things,” said ODJFS Director Stephanie Kowal. “It’s very immersive and gives you a perspective of an ongoing case from the ground up.”
The equipment is utilized by ODJFS to train staff, and it is used during employment interviews to gauge how a potential employee will respond to some of the unique situations that Children’s Services staff encounter.
The equipment was purchased about two years ago with Workforce Development and Best Practice Incentive grant funds. This year, ODJFS used Workforce Development funds to purchase VR equipment that is used for career exploration. The equipment provides realistic experiences in a number of different jobs. For example, a user can learn to change oil in a car or experience what it is like to be a phlebotomist.
“This equipment really digs deep to find the career pathways that are most overlooked,” said Workforce Supervisor Megan Kimberlin.
Goal is to use VR career showcase in schools
The career exploration VR equipment was launched at the recent Career Showcase hosted by Ottawa County Improvement Corporation for high school juniors.
“The goal is to use it in schools. We want to meet with seniors in 2024, especially with those who don’t have a career path,” Kimberlin said. “We’ll also use it for adults.”
Similar equipment is utilized at the Ohio Means Jobs office in Fremont, and North Point Educational Service Center (NPESC) owns 90 VR sets that are available on loan to schools in Sandusky and Ottawa counties. The equipment includes programs for a variety of subjects, including math and science.
“We started with using them to teach math curriculum to students. It’s a way to get kids immersed in learning,” said Lonny Rivera, Director of Innovation at NPESC. “We use it to introduce kids to topics, so it’s a supplemental tool. It’s very engaging.”
Last year, NPESC’s VR equipment was utilized by Port Clinton and Clyde schools. This year, it is on loan in Genoa and Gibsonburg schools.
“As an educational service center, we cover many districts,” Rivera said. “It’s great to give them access to this technology.”
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Home video fad now used for virtual job training
