Testimonial: Veteran math teacher finds renewed inspiration in VR learning

Mark Corpuz (right) collaborates with other high school math teachers at a Prisms Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

One of the great privileges of our team as we implement Prisms across the country is getting to witness the first time math teachers put on a VR headset and experience our vision for spatial learning. Teachers are giving us their weekends to learn how to integrate this groundbreaking technology into their classrooms. We’re energized by their stories and optimism.

This note shared by veteran math teacher Mark Corpuz, who joined us at a recent Prisms Institute, underscored teachers’ hunger for new learning tools.

I’m 52 years old and have taught math for 30 years. An outside perspective might assume that at my age, I’m counting the days to retirement, that I no longer relate to my kids, or that I’m unable to “keep up with the times” — but I can say that after one professional development (PD) session with Prisms, I still have the enthusiasm and excitement of a first-year teacher.

The world and technology have changed so rapidly and our methods, tools, and resources for instruction have not kept up. For the first time, I see the possibility of truly connecting and making math meaningful and exciting for students with all types of abilities, disabilities and social challenges after experiencing Prisms’ VR modules.

“For the first time, I see the possibility of truly connecting and making math meaningful and exciting for students with all types of abilities, disabilities and social challenges after experiencing Prisms’ VR modules.”

The openness I see from the Prisms team — listening to our suggestions, sharing in our excitement, and being willing to make instant edits or note potential additions to their product — reminds me of when I sit back and watch my students collaborate on a project or assignment. It truly was the best PD I have ever been a part of.

Then there’s the joyful experience of using the VR modules themselves: rich detail and connection to math learning through real-world problem solving, incredible graphics, high-quality hints at moments of confusion, and rewards at the completion of each challenge. The teacher dashboard made it simple to check on the status and activity of each student while in the VR and communicate with them only when necessary.

It’s very rare that both the actual design and the creators behind an edtech product blow me away. It left me thinking and even saying at the end of the PD, “Where have you been all of my life?”

This testimonial is not just about the product's ease, usefulness, representation of the child's real world, and perfect fit to any teaching style. But of the people behind it and their enthusiasm, openness, and determination to transform math learning. I’m excited to begin this journey and look forward to seeing the Prisms team again soon!