Woodhaven students in health and physical education classes had the opportunity to experience natural disasters through VR headsets provided by the United States Army National Guard when they brought an event called Disasterville to the school. By using virtual reality headsets, classes participated in simulations that put them in real-life disasters such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes. The main objective of the event was to help students understand how to react to emergency situations and how first responders react in real-life situations.
The simulation was planned to show students how fast disasters can happen and how people make decisions in emergency situations. Students were able to look around their surroundings in the headsets to see what disasters would be like. One of the National Guard operators who was a part of the event said the event helps students to learn about other options after graduation. “This VR simulation of Disasterville is important for students to understand that there are other uncommon career paths and opportunities available, such as the U.S. National Guard. We’re here to make sure juniors and seniors know the options that are out there and can experience what it might be like to be part of the National Guard to decide if it’s something they want to pursue.” Said Autumn Gothie, one of the National Guard event operators.
Students who were a part of the simulation said technology made the experience feel more realistic. Junior Gianni Castro explained that the VR headsets helped make his simulation more real and the experience was great. “The headsets most definitely made a big difference in the simulation. It made the scene feel more real and chaotic,” Castro said. By bringing the VR simulation to the school, the National Guard hopes to educate students about real-life disasters while also introducing them to new opportunities after graduation.
