In a world where independence and mobility are becoming increasingly important, the virtual reality learning platform "Virtual OV" offers a promising solution for students. This innovative teaching method has proven particularly effective for students with language deficiencies at Kranenburg Praktijkonderwijs in Utrecht. Marloes Heidekamp, teacher and ICT coordinator, shares her positive experiences with this innovative teaching method.
"I've been working at this school for ten years, and I'm still learning new things every day," says Marloes. "Kranenburg is a school for vocational education with a meaningful, future-oriented, and positive learning and living environment," Marloes explains. "After completing vocational education, our students can participate independently and fully in society. They can then work and live independently, use their free time meaningfully, and be active citizens. To achieve this, students also develop specific professional competencies that match the sector they choose. The individual potential and talents of students are central to the lessons."
"Many teachers have been working at this school for over ten years, and some even for forty," Marloes continues. "That says something about the atmosphere, I think. There aren't any teachers on our team who have held just one position all these years." Marloes herself has held various positions at Kranenburg, from mentor teacher for students in phases 1, 2, and 3, to Citizenship Coordinator, Subsidy Coordinator, and AVO mentor and teacher. "Because all the teachers fulfill different roles, you constantly have to learn to look at education from a different perspective. This broadens your frame of reference and helps you continue to learn."
No relationship, no performance
"We're also critical of ourselves," Marloes continues. "For example, we never say that a student 'has learning difficulties.' If something isn't working, we consult a colleague: This student is very active, is that the case with you too? We look at what a child needs to learn. Is it something at home, or is there something in the child's social life that's blocking their learning? Or is it something in our own behavior? Then we see if we can adjust that in our relationship with that student. After all, without a relationship, there's no achievement."
Virtual public transport is a real game changer for our students
Importance of Virtual Public Transport for student self-reliance
At this school, we teach students aged 12 to 18 with a mild intellectual disability. We teach them the basics they need to function in our society. For example: how do I register for housing, how do I apply for an identity card or something else at the municipality, and how do I travel by public transport? We prepare students for these 'struggles' so that they can participate in society as fully as possible. In doing so, we look at what students practically need. For example, traveling by public transport. Being able to practice this skill using Virtual OV in a safe, stress-free environment is very important for the students.
NS TreinTrainPakket
With the aim of increasing the self-reliance of neurodivergent people, NS introduced the TreinTrainPakket, of which Virtual OV is a part. 'Kranenburg Praktijkonderwijs was one of the first five schools and care institutions to work with the TreinTrainPakket for 2 months, after which we purchased the Virtual OV set ourselves.'
Learn to Travel Safely in a Virtual World through Play
Over the past three years, Marloes has trained fifteen classes from grades 1 through 3 with Virtual Public Transport, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. "Both our teachers and students are happy with it. They find traveling by public transport quite challenging and really ask about it because Virtual Public Transport allows them to practice traveling in a safe environment. In lessons, I pair a student who has already mastered the game with a student who still needs to gain some confidence. This way, they can help and learn from each other. Students also say they really enjoy the game element. Gaming is, of course, a hot topic among young people. And as a parent of young gamers, I enjoy gaming myself. This approach not only makes the learning process more effective but also much more enjoyable for the students."
Positive effect on students' self-confidence
Students who now travel independently on public transport are also very enthusiastic about Virtual Public Transport. Marloes: "They indicate that they no longer panic as quickly if their train is unexpectedly delayed. They know what to do to ask for information or help." Virtual Public Transport is especially valuable for students with language difficulties who live in the suburbs of Utrecht or even further afield. "Without being able to practice traveling by bus or train in a stress-free environment, these children would have panicked and fled the crowds and noise at Hoog Catharijne station. They probably would never dare leave their neighborhood again, with all the negative consequences that entails for their development. Our school also has students who fled their home countries because of war. Being able to practice traveling independently is essential for these students as well."
Citizenship and Digital Literacy Lessons
As ICT coordinator for curriculum content, Marloes and her colleagues have developed a curriculum for the subjects of Citizenship and Digital Literacy. All lessons meet national learning objectives and have been adapted for students with language deficiencies. The Virtual Public Transport (VPT) is a valuable tool in this regard as well. "We do this with all subjects. All the curriculum can be adapted so that our students can learn it too."
Indispensable contribution to society
We often notice that students with language deficiencies feel inferior. But they are actually incredibly skilled; what their eyes see, their hands can create. I regularly tell students: 'I need you to be able to do my work at this school. Because without you, my children wouldn't have been cared for at after-school care, my car's computer wouldn't have been scanned during a malfunction, and there wouldn't have been a hairdresser to cut my hair.' Then you see them glow with pride, because then they realize why they are so essential. Without them, society would truly grind to a halt
A great step forward towards inclusive education
Virtual public transport is proving to be a valuable tool in increasing students' self-reliance. It's a valuable addition to the curriculum for students with language deficiencies, offering not only practical skills but also increasing their self-confidence and independence. With this innovative approach, Kranenburg Praktijkonderwijs is taking a significant step toward more inclusive and effective education.
