Andrew Canady, former assistant superintendent for Onslow County, said students retain more information when they experience lessons in three dimensions (3D) — and he has the data to prove it.
He introduced Dixon High School to the 3D Education program and a science class went from 79 percent education efficiency rate to 100 percent.
“When I saw it, I knew the kids could learn from it,” Canady said, who has since retired.
He marketed the learning program — including math, science, chemistry and physic subject areas — to Kinston High School last year, and feedback shows students’ scores are rising.
Before 3D technology at Kinston High, science teacher Joe Romig saw 62 percent of his regular science class show academic growth in spring 2011.
Just a year later, the growth hiked to 83 percent, with one student having an impressive 15-point grade gain.
“It’s used to improve biology scores,” Lenoir County Superintendent Steve Mazingo said of the program. “It helped with kids’ engagement in the subject.”
The $10,000 equipment was well worth the investment for Kinston High, according to Canady.
3D Education includes a mobile unit — so it can be easily shared by teachers — 3D glasses, videos and interactive modules.
Canady said he was amazed when he observed Romig teaching a 3D lesson about the human heart.
“When the kids put the glasses on, they retain more and they’re more engaged,” Canady said. “When you put them on, you’re thinking something special is coming up.”
He predicted all schools will eventually have the technology and bringing it to “data-driven” Kinston High is just the warm-up.
“This is the future,” he said. “The images are stronger, and the most important thing is the kids retain what they see.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
BREAKOUT BOX:
At a glance
Kinston High Biology before 3D:
Fall 2011 — Eight of 26 students showed academic growth
Spring 2011 — Eight of 13 students showed academic growth
Honors Biology
Spring 2011 — 21 of 29 students showed academic growth
Kinston High Biology after 3D:
Spring 2012 — 24 of 29 students showed academic growth
Honors Biology
Spring 2012 — 22 of 29 students showed academic growth
Source: Joe Romig, Kinston High School Science Teacher
Suggested headline: Future education tested at Kinston High first
Suggested drophead: 3D science approach raises scores at school