Virtual Reality (VR) isn’t just for gaming and other forms of entertainment. It can be a valuable educational tool in the classroom, especially for those learning skills within the realm of Career & Technical Education.
The Criminal Justice program at BOCES is the latest CTE program to use VR technology to train students. A new simulator is being utilized in that program’s classroom at the Bohlen Technical Center to help train students in a variety of situations that they may encounter in real life as members of law enforcement.
“There are many benefits to having this technology in the classroom,” says Todd Gorman, Criminal Justice II instructor at the Bohlen Technical Center. “The simulator is trainer-driven and not scenario-driven, so students are interacting in real time. While in the training mode, students will improve on de-escalation techniques and using ‘verbal judo’ to control or de-escalate a situation. It also exposes the students to real life scenarios that may be dangerous or stressful, but does so in a safe environment.”
Mr. Gorman fits the VR headset on a student
Mr. Gorman adds that the simulator is easy to set up and portable, which will allow Criminal Justice students at the Sackett Technical Center to also benefit.
The Criminal Justice program at Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES is one of the first BOCES in the state to utilize this technology, purchased from Las Vegas based Apex Officer at a deep discount.
Mr. Gorman says the VR simulator is just one technological tool the Criminal Justice program is utilizing to train and educate students.
“We have many speakers come in during the school year that discuss and sometimes present the new technologies that are being used in the field. Some of these include the MRAP assault vehicle used by SWAT, drones that are used for various law enforcement needs or the latest laser units used for speed enforcement.”
Mr. Gorman demonstrated the VR simulator to BOCES Administrators and members of the Board of Education during a recent meeting, allowing them to see just how valuable of a tool it will serve to BOCES students.
“It is the most state-of-the-art tool for law enforcement simulation training, and students will gain much knowledge and experience by utilizing it for years to come,” he says.
Click here for more information on the Criminal Justice program offered at BOCES.