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Mr. Helland from N Bend, OR is requesting instructional technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mr. Helland is requesting

Stepping into Empathy: Virtual Reality for Rural Oregon Students

Help me give my students a high-quality VR headset system, so we can unlock a world of educational experiences for our rural Oregon high school students.

  • $633 goal

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Hooray! This project is fully funded

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My Project

Here's a revised version that's exactly 300 words:

As a high school English teacher in rural Oregon, I've witnessed storytelling's power to bridge divides and foster understanding among students.

While books offer impactful narratives, they can feel disconnected from students' lives. This realization inspired an innovative project: using virtual reality (VR) to immerse students in others' perspectives, cultivating deeper empathy and compassion.

Our "Seeing Through Different Eyes" initiative will use VR headsets to transport students beyond familiar surroundings. They'll experience the isolation of a Syrian refugee in a new country, the fear of a child soldier in a war-torn region, or the daily challenges of someone living with a disability. These immersive experiences will provide visceral understanding of distant realities, dismantling stereotypes and challenging assumptions.

This project extends beyond observation. After each VR immersion, students will engage in discussions, reflective writing, and collaborative projects addressing witnessed issues. They'll research solutions and connect with organizations effecting change, transforming empathy into action.

To assess effectiveness, we'll use pre- and post-experience surveys measuring shifts in empathy, understanding of social issues, and willingness to help others. We'll analyze students' writing and project work for evidence of deeper understanding, critical thinking, and commitment to social justice. Importantly, we'll observe changes in students' interactions, looking for increased kindness and inclusivity.

In our community, compassion can feel like a quiet whisper. Through VR, we aim to amplify that whisper into a chorus of empathy and action. This approach will enrich students' worldviews and empower them as change agents in their lives and communities.

By providing this unique perspective-taking opportunity, we're not just teaching empathy – we're cultivating a generation of compassionate, socially conscious individuals ready to create positive change in an increasingly interconnected world.

Mr. Helland North Bend High School Grades 9-12

More about Mr. Helland

N Bend, OR View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

700 students impacted 4donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Meta Quest 3 128GB— Breakthrough Mixed Reality Headset — Powerful Performance • Amazon Business $499.99 1 $499.99

Materials cost

$499.99

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$7.50

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$537.49

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$94.85

Total project goal

$632.34

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $632.34

3 Donors

-$302.06

Donations toward project cost

-$280.75

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$21.31

match offer

-$302.05

Match offer toward project cost

-$256.74

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$45.31

Excluded support for DonorsChoose

-$28.23

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Helland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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