Central Middle School Embraces Virtual Reality In The Classroom

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Students at Central Middle School in Parsippany are getting up close and personal with social studies thanks immersive Google Cardboard virtual reality goggles.

In a press release from Jan. 28, the Parsippany Education Foundation announced it had provided a grant to purchase the goggles that, when paired with a smart phone, puts students into a 3-D experience of the geographies and cultures they study in class.

Maria Elisa Glatz, a CMS social studies teacher, said the grant afforded the school 60 Google Cardboard goggles, which will be used to immerse students in the landscapes of Africa, China, Japan and Europe.

"It's difficult to see in pictures, but the students were SUPER excited to take part in this activity," Glatz said in a statement provided by the foundation. "Thank you for making this activity possible."

Since its inception in 1996, the Parsippany Education Foundation has distributed $350,000 to the district. Funds are raised through private donors, an annual spring golf outing and various events held throughout the year.

"We are proud to support Mrs. Glatz in her innovative approach to teaching Social Studies and delighted to see such a strong positive effect it has had on her students," said Parsippany Education Foundation president Stella Gizas said in a statement.