N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) —New Mexico State University’s Global Campus is launching a new series of self-paced Virtual Reality for Educators courses, aimed at helping K-12 teachers integrate immersive technology into their classrooms
According to the university, the course series, funded through a grant from Meta’s Los Lunas Data Center, aims to expand workforce development opportunities by giving educators tools to prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.
The VR for Educators series is set to launch in the fall semester for local teachers in Meta’s data center communities, before expanding to school districts and teachers nationwide through the NMSU Global Campus platform.
“This initiative represents exactly what workforce development should look like,” said Andrew Sedillo, executive director of strategic initiatives and partnerships at NMSU Global Campus. “When industry partners identify the skills their workforce and communities need, we have an opportunity to design innovative educational programs that prepare educators, and ultimately students, for the future. We’re grateful to Meta’s Los Lunas Data Center for investing in New Mexico educators and helping expand access to cutting-edge professional development.”
NMSU Global Campus said the courses are designed for busy educators and will be offered online in a self-paced format. Participants will explore instructional design best practices, classroom implementation techniques and real-world applications intended to support student engagement and learning outcomes across multiple grade levels and subject areas.
“Strong communities are built through strong partnerships,” said David Williams, community engagement manager for Meta’s Los Lunas Data Center. “This collaboration with NMSU Global Campus demonstrates how industry and higher education can work together to address real workforce needs. By investing in professional development for educators, we’re helping ensure today’s teachers are prepared to equip students with the skills they’ll need in tomorrow’s economy.”
NMSU Global Campus said the program will also provide teachers with a foundational understanding of how virtual reality works and how it can be applied in the classroom to boost student engagement, deepen comprehension and create learning experiences.
“The virtual reality courses offered by New Mexico State University Global Campus gave me the confidence and practical strategies to successfully integrate immersive technology into my classroom,” said Lord Rivas Alcomendras, a former teacher at Belen Consolidated Schools. “One of the most memorable experiences for my students was exploring space through virtual reality, allowing them to move beyond reading about the solar system and immerse themselves in realistic 3D environments that sparked curiosity, increased engagement and deepened their understanding of scientific concepts. Virtual reality doesn’t replace great teaching — it enhances it by helping educators create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.”
Meta said that since opening its Los Lunas Data Center in 2019, it has contributed more than $5.8 million through 244 grants to local organizations, schools and nonprofits.
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