What is IVR?
IVR is an acronym for Immersive Virtual Reality. Immersive VR,  MR (Mixed Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) are mediated through head-mounted displays (HMDs) that can create a deep sense of presence - 'a feeling of being there' - intensity and awe of experience through interactivity.

What virtual reality equipment will students be using?
Students currently have access to the following virtual reality headsets:

• Oculus Rift
• Oculus Go
• Oculus/Meta Quest 2

The school may utilise additional virtual reality headset brands and types over time.

For what purposes will virtual reality be used?
Virtual Reality Learning Events will be used to:

• Enhance student engagement and understanding of the curriculum
• Provide student access to recordings of school excursions and competitions.

Is participation in virtual reality learning events compulsory?
No, participation is voluntary. If a student is unwilling or unable to participate in a Virtual Reality Learning event, an alternate experience of equal educational value will be provided.

When will students be given the opportunity to participate in Virtual Reality Learning Events?
Classroom teachers will implement Virtual Reality Learning events from time to time.

Are there any health risks associated with using virtual reality equipment?
Yes, there are health risks associated with using virtual reality equipment. You must read and understand the information in the product safety sheet (click here), and you should consult with a medical practitioner about the suitability of virtual reality use for your child before completing the form.  You must not sign the note if a medical practitioner has indicated that your child should not use VR.

You must provide the school with documentation confirming that a medical practitioner has been consulted and has approved your child's use of VR technology if your child has any pre-existing medical conditions identified in the product safety sheet. These include:

• heart conditions
• pregnancy conditions that affect the ability to perform physical activities safely
• psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders
• cardiac pacemaker or implanted medical device
• prone to motion sickness
• binocular vision abnormalities
• a history of epilepsy or seizures, loss of awareness, loss of spatial awareness, disorientation or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition

What other measures is the school taking to mitigate health risks associated with using virtual reality equipment
Some of the measures taken to mitigate health risks associated with using virtual reality equipment include:

• imposing a minimum age limit of 13 years for student VR use
• limited sutudent VR use to a maximum of 1 hour in any one day, with mandatory 5-minute breaks after every 10 minutes of use, OR 15 minutes per 3-hour period
• requiring that parents/carers whose children have certain pre-existing medical contditions submit documentation from a medical practitioner approving VR use for their child
• cleaning VR headsets before and after student use
• actively supervising students when using VR headsets and notifying parents/carers of any healt concerns should they arise
• requiring that students do not drive, operate heavy machinery or indulge in visually or physically demanding activities for at least half an hour after using VR and until any effecs from using VR have passed
• requiring that students do not participate in activities such as walking and sports that requirign unimpared and unobstructed balance and hand/eye coordination for at least half an hour after using VR and until any effects from using VR have passed

What needs to happen before my child can start participating in virtual reality learning events?
You need to:

• read the product safety information
• consult with a medical practitioner abhout the suitability of virtual reality use for you child and provide medical documentsation to the school if required
• Read and sign the Permission to Participate in VR Learning Events form
  
  

Your child needs to:

• Read and sign the Student User Agreement

Who can I contact if I require further information?
Please contact Mr Sam Cocking, Mathematics Faculty, if you have any questions or require any additoinal information.

I give my permission for my child to participate in Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Events at Callaghan College Wallsend Campus.

• I understand that an Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Event involves a student wearing a virtual reality headset for a period of time and interacting with a piece of virtual reality software or video for educational use.
• I have selected either Option A or Option B (see below) 
• I have read and agree to the terms and conditions set out in the CCWC IVR Program Information sheet
• I have read the product safety information and understand the health risks associated with using virtual reality equipment
• My child will read and signed the Student User Agreement
• I understand that I should consult a medical practitioner about the safety of virtual reality equipment use for my child prior to signing this form. I will not sign this Permission Note if a medical practitioner has recommended that my child not use virtual reality equipment
• I will notify the school immediately if my child's medical details change or I become aware of any negative health impacts after my child uses VR headsets at school.

Option A: My child DOES NOT HAVE a pre-existing medical condition(s) such as:

• Heart condition
• A condition that affects their ability to perform physical activities safely.
• A psychiatric condition such as anxiety disorder and/or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Pregnancy
• Cardiac pacemaker or implanted medical device
• Prone to motion sickness
• Binocular vision abnormalities
• A history of epilepsy or seizures, loss of awareness, loss of spatial awareness, disorientation or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition

Option B: My child HAS a pre-existing medical condition(s) such as:

• Heart condition
• A condition that affects their ability to perform physical activities safely.
• A psychiatric condition such as anxiety disorder and/or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Pregnancy
• Cardiac pacemaker or implanted medical device
• Prone to motion sickness
• Binocular vision abnormalities
• A history of epilepsy or seizures, loss of awareness, loss of spatial awareness, disorientation or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition
  
  

AND I have:

• Consulted with a medical practitioner about the health risks associated with my child using VR
• Attached documentation confirming that approval from a medical practitioner has been given for my child to use VR headsets dispite the pre-existing medial condition(s)

You have rights and responsibilities in the IVR Library Space.

You have the right to:

• A tidy, clean and organised learning environment
• Clean and hygienic VR equipment
• Use the VR equipment without undue interruption or interference from other students
• Stop participating in a VR learning event at any time you feel tired, uncomfortable or unwell
• Know that the IVR Library Space may be monitored by security cameras

It is your responsibility to:

• Inform the supervising teacher immediately if you feel unwell before, during or after participation in a VR Learning Event
• Ask for assistance if you need it
• Comply with all instructions from the supervising teacher and IVR coordinators
• Move slowly and carefully when using the VR headsets
• Not use the VR headset for longer than 1 hour per day, with 5-minute breaks every 10 minutes
• Not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery within at least half an hour of participating in a VR Learning Event and until any effects of using VR headsets have passed.
• Not participate in activities such as walking and sports that require unimpaired and unobstructed balance and hand/eye coordination for at least half an hour after using VR and until any effects from using VR have passed.
• Not participate in VR Learning Events if you are tired and need sleep, sick or under the influence of intoxicants or drugs
• Handle the VR equipment with care and respect
• Report any damage to the VR equipment

I understand, and agree to act at all times in accordance with, the rights and responsibilities outlined above.