Photo Courtesy Charles Spencer High School

By Tanner Smith

Education

Charles Spencer using ‘VR’ to advance trade skills and education

Mar 22, 2023 | 2:31 PM

Charles Spencer High School’s welding lab will begin seeing fewer sparks but more welds after their most recent upgrade.

The school made the upgrade to augmented reality welding simulators, which come with a welding wand, a wireless board to practice technique, and a touch screen or face mask device that allows students to cycle through a number of techniques and projects.

Photo Courtesy Charles Spencer High School

These new welding sets are helping students not just build confidence, but helping the school cut costs as well.

Joe LaValley, the CTS teacher at Charles Spencer said in a release, ” This new technology is saving us time in the classroom, and money on materials – plus students are gaining experience much faster than without the AR equipment.”

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Photo Courtesy Charles Spencer High School

LaValley added, this new tech is perfect for beginners as kids can be intimidated by the sparks and loud noises, this way students can get a realistic experience and build confidence before going to try for real.

A Grade 10 student from Charles Spencer said in a release, “I like how I can make mistakes and know it’s OK. The equipment gives me the confidence to try hard techniques. I am learning a lot.”

Photo Courtesy Charles Spencer High School

Each set of welding kits also gives students the ability to turn on the assisted learning guide, so they can dive into new techniques and projects without a teacher guiding them through the process.

Photo Courtesy Charles Spencer High School

Charles Spencer purchased five of these simulators late last year, through a partnership with the Grande Prairie Public School Division.