November 2025- VR & AR – Classroom Transformers -“This Is Us- Better Together” Teachers’ Training in Trabzon

VR & AR – Classroom Transformers - “This Is Us- Better Together”-Issue #4 - Teachers’ Training in Trabzon

Location: Trabzon, Ortahisar

Dates: 2–8 November 2025

A Week of Innovation and Inspiration

This week, our team participated in the “VR & AR – Classroom Transformers” teachers’ took place in the beautiful city of Trabzon, Türkiye. The event brought together educators eager to explore how Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies can transform classroom learning across subjects. Throughout the week, we engaged in hands-on sessions, school visits, and inspiring presentations that highlighted the growing role of immersive technologies in education.

Monday, 3 November – Exploring the World of VR in Education The first sessions took place at Ayfer Karakullukçu Primary School, where our colleague Orhan Topal delivered an inspiring presentation on “Virtual Reality in Education.” He demonstrated how VR can enhance learning, particularly in foreign language education, through immersive experiences such as: ● Practicing virtual conversations with native speakers ● Visiting virtual towns for real-life communication practice ● Exploring schools in other countries to learn about culture and daily routines Orhan also discussed the advantages and challenges of using VR, highlighting the importance of teacher training, shared equipment, and smart lesson planning.

Tuesday, 4 November – Artificial Intelligence and Robotics At Trabzon University’s Center of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, participants discovered innovative work in AI, coding, robotics, and 3D printing. The team presented cutting-edge projects that showed how these technologies can prepare students for the future. Participants also had the chance to explore robotics programming, gaining insights into how robots are built and operated. G TRABZON ÜNİVERSİTESİ KSANVE TOPLUIMBİLİMLERÍ FAKÜLTESİ SİYASAL BİLGİLER FAKÜLTESİ DOKA ÇALIŞANVE VE D ORETEN DENÇLER UNDES CREATIVITY INTELLIGENCES In the same day the Erasmus+ delegations visited the Prof. Nehmettin Erbakan Mesleki Teknik Anadolu Lisesi, in which the Smart Lab developed innovative VR activities.

Wednesday, 5 November – Science and Rehabilitation through XR We visited Ahmet Uğur Turhan Science and Technology High School, where students and teachers showcased their schools, towns, and countries. Later, we took part in a workshop on Physio XR, a software developed to support stroke rehabilitation through virtual reality exercises. The system is being tested in collaboration with local hospitals, offering new hope to patients in recovery. Special thanks to Hayati Türe (Coordinator) and Muhammetalp Erdem for their engaging presentation and hospitality.

Cultural Discoveries in Trabzon

Beyond the classroom, participants explored Trabzon’s rich culture and stunning landscapes: ● Atatürk Pavilion, Girls Monastery, and Ayasofya Mosque ● Seyir Teras, offering panoramic views of the city ● Cave Çal, the world’s second-longest cave open to visitors These visits allowed everyone to appreciate the natural beauty and hospitality of Trabzon while bonding as an international team.

Developing Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans

Throughout the week, educators collaborated to design five interdisciplinary lesson plans integrating VR and AR across subjects such as foreign languages, chemistry, maths, geography, biology, physics, and art. Ideas included: ● A virtual shop for language learning ● A VR cell tour for biology ● AR-enhanced geography maps and 3D chemistry visualizations The emphasis was on practical, low-cost implementation, encouraging teachers to share headsets, rotate groups, and ensure safe and ethical use of digital data.

Reflections and Gratitude

The mobility demonstrated how immersive technologies can make education more interactive, inclusive, and exciting. We extend our sincere thanks to: Ayfer Karakullukçu Primary School, Trabzon University, Ahmet Uğur Turhan Science and Technology High School, and all partner institutions for their collaboration and warm hospitality. Together, we continue transforming classrooms into spaces of creativity, innovation, and connection.