Introducing Virtual geography! A class that can only be taken once by each student at Jackson-Milton High School. Virtual Geography is a new class and this is it’s first year that it is in existence at Jackson-Milton High School The new class is taught by Mr. Halavick, who is a teacher at Jackson-Milton and teaches 9th grade math and a 9th grade world history class. Virtual Geography is an 8th period elective that can only be taken for half a semester. It is worth 1 credit towards electives for graduation. The class can be taken by all Jackson-Milton students from grades 9-12. In Virtual geography, the students use VR headsets, play fun online educational games, and do fun interactive presentations and a virtual catalog to help them learn about our world and its geography, landscape and much more.
Sophomore Elijah Handrych said, “I really enjoy virtual geography and I think it is very applicable to real life because we learn locations and maps. This will come in handy in the future for driving and for learning where I am, if I am in an unfamiliar place.”
Logan Figinsky stated, “I think virtual Geography is a very good class and has taught me much about our world’s landscape and natural features. It’s very fun and enjoyable. The material is nice and standard, he makes it very easy to understand when learning about something new. The activities are very fun and engaging when it comes to memorizing parts of the world or using the VR headsets.”
Anthony Chance said, “ This class has taught me a lot about the Americas so far, and later this year we will learn more about Europe, Asia, and Africa’s Geography. I find it to be interesting and fun, and Mr Halavick helps me learn what all the other continents and countries are like. ”
Mr. Halavick stated,“ This class is about exploring the parts of the world we are not used to seeing. Exposing what the world really looks like to students who have lived in our area for their whole lives. We are seeing the use of VR and AR technology grow exponentially in multiple fields across the world; from training nurses how to perform procedures on their patients, to allowing engineers to repair equipment from halfway around the world, to educating a new generation of scholars. I think my class provides an engaging introduction to what students may be exposed to when they move towards their future careers. A piece of technology that was originally meant for gaming is being used to elevate our world in ways we couldn’t imagine.”
Regarding the field trip to YSU, Mr Halavick stated, “The trip to YSU will allow the students to see what types of opportunities there are in the technology field. The field trip will endorse some of my students to choose that career path. There are a lot of unknowns about technology and what is available. Hopefully, we will see some JM students carve out a piece of the field and do something creative and innovative.”
