The VIRION project reached a new milestone on December 7, 2024, with the Multiplier Event held at SU “Tsar Simeon Veliki” in Vidin, Bulgaria. The conference gathered 50 teachers, school principals, and educational authorities from Bulgaria (Sofia, Ruse, Vratsa, Sliven, Dabnitsa and Vidin), Serbia (Knjazevac), Romania (Calafat) and Austria (Vienna) to explore the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in education. The conference was live streamed on SU “Tsar Simeon Veliki” YouTube channel.
A Day Full of Innovation and Collaboration
The conference began with a folk performans – traditional Bulgarian dance and opening remarks from Irena Garkova, the principal of SU “Tsar Simeon Veliki,” who emphasized the importance of Erasmus+ Program and how the program helps the schools in integrating new innovative educational technologies like VR into modern classrooms.
Some of the key sessions:
- “Journey into Digital Education: From Virtual Reality to Artificial Intelligence”
Presented by Ivailo Ivanov from DZZD “Obuchenie,” the session provided insights into the broader role of VR and AI in education. - “Introducing the VIRION Project – Objectives and Outputs”
Tsvetanka Todorova outlined the project’s mission and progress, showcasing how VR tools can make complex subjects engaging and accessible. - “VIRION VR – The Four Experiences Content Description”
In this exciting presentation, participants learned about the four subject-specific VR experiences designed under the project. The presentation contains descriptions and video-trailers created by the participated in the project colleagues from Premium Cine (Premium VR).
The Four VR Experiences: Immersive Learning in Action
- Chemistry: The Chemistry Mine
Students explore a coal mine divided into galleries representing different element families from the Periodic Table. By identifying and placing elements in their correct spots, learners develop a deep understanding of chemical properties in an interactive 3D environment. - Biology: The Tree of Life
Set in a beautiful, nature-inspired environment, this experience allows students to construct prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (animal) cells. As they explore virtual laboratories, they assemble cellular components while receiving detailed explanations. - Mathematics: Geometry Lab
In a dynamic VR space, students analyze geometric shapes, perform Boolean operations to create complex structures, and visualize mathematical concepts in ways that are impossible in the real world. - Physics: Escape Room of Electricity and Magnetism
Designed as a virtual escape room, students solve challenges involving electrical circuits and magnetic fields. Through interactive problem-solving, they grasp essential concepts in electricity and magnetism.
Workshops: Hands-On VR Experiences
The highlight of the event was the afternoon workshops, where participants experienced the VIRION VR applications firsthand. Divided into four groups, teachers explored subject-specific VR content in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology classrooms. This immersive experience demonstrated the vast potential of VR to make abstract concepts tangible and fun for students. Participants were enthusiastic to try the new technology because VR could be implemented in the traditional teaching methods:
“The VR applications make learning feel like an adventure rather than a chore. I can’t wait to try this in my classroom!” – shared a teacher from Knjazevac, Serbia.
A Vision for the Future
At the conference, it was introduced that in March 2025, the VIRION project’s web platform will be ready. It will serve as a hub for sharing the project’s outputs, lesson plans, and VR resources, ensuring that educators worldwide can benefit from this initiative.
In addition to the main VIRION project, the conference also highlighted the eTwinning project titled “VIRION”, presented by Tsvetanka Todorova, eTwinning Ambassador for Bulgaria. This initiative complements the Erasmus+ VIRION project by fostering collaboration among teachers and students across Europe through the eTwinning platform. The eTwinning project focuses on sharing best practices, engaging students in interactive activities, and promoting the integration of VR tools in classrooms. By connecting educators and learners from different countries, the eTwinning VIRION project will strengthen the community of innovative educators and support the sustainable use of VR in education.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where educators discussed practical applications, technical requirements, and future collaboration.
The Multiplier Event in Vidin marked an important step forward for the VIRION project. It demonstrated how Virtual Reality can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, sparking curiosity and creativity in students.
Projects like VIRION transform classrooms into interactive, immersive spaces that prepare students for the challenges of the future.
For more updates and resources, visit the VIRION project’s official web portal and the eTwinning project TwinSpace.
Together, we are shaping the future of education!
