The pandemic forced many teachers to get creative with the way they deliver the lessons to their students. Rebecca Oravec, a middle school art teacher, found herself in a similar situation.

“I feel very passionate about field trips. I did try to make a field trip to the University of Arizona Art Museum before the pandemic. That was canceled,” said Oravec.

However, unwilling to let her students not experience the world outside the classroom, Oravec found a program that could enable them to experience the world digitally.

“We can really give them the opportunity to experience world-class art and artists inside their own classroom,” said Act One Arts Education Director Beth Maloney.

Act One is a non-profit based in Tucson and Phoenix that facilitates art lessons for students using virtual reality. Students put in their high-tech glasses to transport themselves to a new environment.

“We have been building this program for about a year and a half now. It is essentially a trip around the country where we take a look at the history of public art and mural making,” said Maloney.

The virtual field trip passes through Tucson’s famous Fox Theatre, where the students can experience a performance by an all-female mariachi band.

“I’d love for students to feel inspired. I want them to take a little bit of academic knowledge, but definitely a lot of personal inspiration as well,” said Maloney.

Act One’s program will be free for Title I schools starting from this November.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Read other Articles