Southern University’s labs · 05
Classroom VR and teacher training
Through SURADD, Southern University puts VR headsets and STEM lessons into K–12 classrooms and trains teachers to use them.
At a glance
Train the teacher. Equip the classroom. Reach every student.
Behind this page: the ClassVR headset carts used for classroom VR.
More informationThe program
VR as part of the normal lesson.
The goal is to give teachers the headsets, lessons and training to use VR alongside their regular teaching, especially for students who learn best by seeing and doing.
It is part of Southern University Reaching Across the Digital Divide (SURADD). It brings the technology to the school, so every student does not have to travel to campus.
Program numbers as of October 2026.
Headsets and lessons
Two kinds of headsets. Two kinds of lessons.
Meta headsets
Six STEM lessons
Six middle-school STEM and science lessons, adapted from an existing curriculum.
ClassVR headsets
A K–12 library
ClassVR (Avantis Education) offers downloadable lessons in math, science, STEM and other subjects. The headsets charge and travel in ClassVR carts.
The headsets stay at the pilot schools, for trained teachers to use in class.
Lab 05 · Classroom VR
Learning in a VR headset.
AI-generated animation of a learner in a VR headset. Scroll to play it.
Teacher training
Two groups of educators.
80
Middle school science teachers
Working teachers who use VR in their science classes.
40
Teacher candidates
Future teachers from the university’s School of Education.
Six steps
Step 1
Schools, science teachers and teacher candidates sign up.
Step 2
Hardware, controls, lessons and classroom routines.
Step 3
See how each VR lesson fits an existing science unit.
Step 4
Eligible teachers or schools receive headsets.
Step 5
Teachers add VR lessons to their normal schedule.
Step 6
Use VR to explain hard ideas and help students who need more.
How a teacher gets started.
How it fits
Three ways to bring 3D learning to students.
| Tool | What it does | Gear |
|---|---|---|
| VR headsets | Each student gets their own lesson in the classroom | VR headsets |
| Mobile CAVE | A shared 3D room that drives to schools and communities | 3D glasses |
| Stationary CAVE | Advanced 3D work, research and teaching on campus | Fixed projection room |
Deep dive
Go deeper.
The full story of this lab: what it is, why it matters, why Southern University is pursuing it and why it deserves funding.
More labs
See the other labs.
Request this service
Request this service.
Ask about classroom VR or teacher training for your school.
- Teacher training
- Classroom VR
- School visits