Virtual reality takes the sixth-grade social studies students at University Middle from the UofM campus to the most notable times and places in ancient history.

An innovative approach to education is a primary theme across all disciplines and stages of learning at the University of Memphis.

Joshua Wylie’s sixth-grade social studies class at University Middle School is a perfect example. Wylie's students are thousands of years and miles separated from the world’s ancient civilizations, but that does not prevent them from getting an up-close look at the people and places the curriculum covers.

Through virtual reality (VR) goggles, these University Middle students can transport from their classroom on the UofM campus to the Roman Coliseum or the Greek Parthenon.

“When I proposed the purchase of these goggles, my exact words were, ‘We can’t exactly pack up and travel back in time 3,000 years,’ ” Wylie said. “Learning about these places while being able to virtually travel back in time is amazing. The possibilities are endless with VR. It has enhanced our learning tenfold while also increasing the retention of the content.”

Wylie, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the UofM, takes his students from the beginnings of written history in Mesopotamia (3100 BC) through the collapse of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD). He incorporates the VR goggles in at least two lessons per unit. The technology allows the students to experience ancient history through a new and immersive method while also improving learning outcomes.

“I love the goggles because they are a way to experience places where we can't go in real life,” said student Lydia Patrick. “The class is always more fun and joyful when we get to use the glasses.”

The VR field trips have included the tombs of pharaohs, ancient temples, the Great Wall of China, Athens, Sparta and an age-appropriate gladiator experience based in the Roman Empire.

“I am grateful that our school can provide us with VR goggles so we can visit places like Ancient Greece and China,” said student Susanna Flack.

Wylie initially brought up the idea of VR goggles in the classroom to Sally Gates Parish, associate vice president for Educational Initiatives at the UofM. Parish immediately supported the goal of securing funding for the technology, which is increasingly being used to educate across many subjects at all levels. The market for VR in education is projected to see a 39.7% compound annual growth rate through 2026, according to a report from The Business Research Company.

With VR currently at the cutting edge of classroom technology, it’s no surprise to already see it in use at University Middle. This sort of innovative approach to education is reflected across all levels of the University Schools system, which has expanded rapidly in recent years.

University Middle held its first classes in 2019. University High is up next. Its inaugural freshman class is set to begin in fall 2022, sharing the UofM’s Orgel Educational Center with University Middle. This will expand the University Schools’ compendium from infant care through high school.

"Creating an innovative, forward-thinking educational environment has always been a top priority within University Schools," Parish said. "We have been very intentional about maintaining that standard across all levels as we have continued to expand our compendium. For us to be part of a University that is among the top tier of public research institutions in the country is an invaluable resource for our students and educators."

The strong foundation of resources provided through the UofM empowers students and educators within University Schools. In addition to providing new-age technology, there is convenient access to expert guest speakers and facilities for almost any occasion right on campus.

In Wylie’s class, the exceptional resources exist virtually and physically. When his sixth-graders learn about ancient Egypt, they can take a short walk across the UofM campus where the mummy of Irtw-irw from the Ptolemaic Period (305-30 BC) is on display. It is among the approximately 250 ancient Egyptian objects in the permanent collection of the Egyptian Gallery of the Art Museum of the UofM. Whether it be through VR goggles or an exhibit on campus, the UofM community provides University Middle students the opportunity to experience ancient civilizations in remarkable ways, which is representative of the University as a whole.

“Our students are incredibly fortunate to have access to such plentiful resources,” Wylie said. “Being able to create authentic, meaningful learning opportunities for our students is truly a dream come true as an educator.”