At the International School of Siena, a private school in the Tuscan hills, the latest virtual reality technology is paired with committed teaching to ensure an exceptional international education.
Virtual Reality adventures
Imagine exploring the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, interviewing archaeologists, and even chatting with pharaohs, all before your next math class. At IS Siena, this can happen thanks to the power of Virtual Reality (VR). The school boasts 21 VR headsets that transport students to various virtual worlds within the educational metaverse, many of which are custom-created by the talented Inspired Global Ed Tech team. That’s not all… Students can bake a pizza with an interactive Italian chef, collaborate with peers from Portugal on a virtual performance of Lorca’s Blood Wedding in Spanish or marvel at the universe without needing a spacesuit. The possibilities are endless!
Innovative learning experiences
In a unique Theory of Knowledge lesson called Ekphrasis, students enter five micro-galleries, each featuring a poetry reader and a specific work of art. They first explore the artwork in silence, then with poetry readings in the background and debate how poetry influences their experience of the art. Using VR headsets, they can see the art, engage with the poetry and discuss their insights in real-time.
Empowering education with technology
Our EdTech ambassador, Leon Woods, integrates VR into Individuals and Societies and Design lessons. Student Lorenzo Pavia shares, “The VR was very fun and pretty realistic. We had to build houses and work as a team. It was harder than we thought, but we learned a lot about technology and VR.” Beyond VR, IS Siena utilizes a personalized learning platform called Inspired AI, powered by Century Tech. This platform enhances student engagement, addresses learning gaps and supports teachers with tailored resources. Inspired AI guides students towards tasks based on their needs, whether to strengthen weaker areas or extend their learning further. Principal Jennifer Tickle notes, “The wonderful thing is that it approaches students in so many different ways. Young people can engage with their maths via written text, audio or video in most world languages.”
Supporting literacy and learning
Inspired AI is used throughout the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to support learning in English and Italian, and even assess children’s literacy in their home language. This technology ensures that students receive a comprehensive and inclusive education.
The role of teachers in a tech-enhanced classroom
Despite the advanced technology, our highly skilled teachers remain at the heart of education. Principal Tickle emphasizes, “The technology is an add-on. I like to call it (P)Ed Tech as the tools available to us support the pedagogy and do not replace it.” Students learn to use technology appropriately and with control, preparing them for university and the workplace.
At IS Siena, we are committed to educating for the future. Come and see for yourself how we blend cutting-edge technology with exceptional teaching to create an unparalleled learning experience.
