A Wisbech-based entrepreneur hopes to make school lessons ‘more fun and engaging’ using the latest in virtual reality technology.
Jacob Nixon founded his company VAR with the aim to improve the learning experience of hundreds of children using the virtual and augmented reality technology.
The 20-year-old uses virtual and augmented reality headsets to allow people to experience completely or partly simulated worlds and interact with them in true-to-life ways.
Jacob said: “Using this technology, students are able to learn about the solar system by actually visiting space in virtual reality, without even leaving the classroom in real-life.
“I struggled to engage with lessons at school and I want to show how new technologies could help local students get the best from their education.
“I want students from my local area to have just as much opportunity to try out these new technologies as students in the big cities.”
He has been working closely with Peckover Primary School to bring a creative story written by the students to life using augmented reality.
The story follows the adventure of Vinny, who turned into a wolf when he was angry and needs the support of his friends to calm down and become human again.
Jacob showcased the technology at an event held at the Walton Highway Village Club on Tuesday, July 17 which was attended by local teachers and councillors.
Three HTC VIVE virtual reality (VR) stations and an augmented reality exhibit were on display where visitors were able to experience the educational VR for themselves.
At one station, guests were able to explore the bottom of the ocean and create their own 3D artwork at another.
Rebecca Fulcher, local teacher, said: “The augmented story telling was fantastic and a wonderful way to engage children in learning.
“This would be a tool that can connect multiple subjects across the curriculum.”
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