(Newswire.net — August 25, 2015) — Students at Singapore American School (SAS) are the first in Singapore to experiment with immersive 3D zSpace virtual reality technology.
The Silicon Valley based company’s flagship product, zSpace, enables students to create, test, and experiment in an interactive, 3D world. Each zSpace station is outfitted with an interactive stylus as well as a wide variety of educational software on topics ranging from science and physics to engineering. Virtual-holographic images can be “lifted” from the screen and manipulated with the stylus, while the system optimizes the virtual reality experience by tracking students’ head movements with specialized 3D glasses.
Students at Singapore American School (SAS) were the first in Singapore to experiment with this immersive 3D technology. Both elementary and middle schools have had the opportunity to use zSpace in the library, while the high school was the first to introduce the technology as part of their science curriculum, specifically in the physical, life, earth, and environmental sciences.
SAS students have explored the use of zSpace to study animal dissection, aquatic habitats, and chemical structures without time-consuming and challenging setups, and to view interactions among objects in physics and chemistry classes. Lessons supported by zSpace Scope and Sequence match grade-level educational requirements, such as common core and next-generation science standards. SAS teachers can draw from over 250 activities created by zSpace’s team of educators.
This technology was made available to the students due to the generous support of the SAS Foundation, which is funded by gifts from parents, alumni, and other friends. zSpace complements the school’s existing 1-to-1 iPad use for elementary school students, 1-to-1 laptop program for middle school students, and bring-your-own-laptop program for high school students.
The school already provides learning spaces such as large laboratories, the Center of Innovation, maker spaces, and school libraries for teachers who facilitate exploratory learning, particularly in the middle and high schools. These learning spaces contain various emerging technologies, such as the immersive virtual reality experience Oculus Rift, that support teaching and engage students with the assistance of librarians and technicians.
The school is also committed to aligning technology to school standards across the school, providing continued support for teachers, and establishing clear and explicit connections between technology to content and standards.
“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the team at Singapore American School to integrate zSpace into its curriculum,” said Paul Kellenberger, CEO of zSpace. “With thousands of students ranging from preschool to high school, the school leaders are committed to helping all students reach their potential. zSpace supports the school’s mission of cultivating exceptional thinkers with hands-on, active learning, peer-to-peer collaboration, and experimentation.”
About zSpace
zSpace is a leading-edge technology provider that delivers a new way of learning with its flagship product, zSpace®. Focused on STEM education, medical instruction, and corporate training, zSpace inspires and accelerates understanding through real world virtual reality. zSpace was named “Cool Vendor” by Gartner, Inc. and awarded “Best New Product” by Tech and Learning Magazine. zSpace is a privately held, venture backed company located in Sunnyvale, California, and has filed more than 30 patents for its innovative technologies. For more information, visit www.zspace.com, or follow @zSpace on Twitter.
About Singapore American School
Singapore American School (SAS) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering an American curriculum with an international perspective for students in preschool through grade 12. SAS has the largest Advanced Placement program outside of the United States, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the U.S., and offers the American High School Diploma at the senior level. Established in 1956, the school primarily serves the American and international expatriate communities of Singapore.
For more information, please visit www.sas.edu.sg or contact the SAS communications office at communications@sas.edu.sg or +65 6360 6031.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Spier (vspier@sas.edu.sg)
Director of Strategic Communications
Singapore American School
40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547