Arsema wins the Ashinaga Proposal Research Grant to Introduce VR-based Astronomy Education to Students in Ethiopia

During the summer of 2024, I partnered with the Ethiopian Space Science Society to introduce VR-based astronomy education to students in Ethiopia, aiming to make space science concepts more accessible and engaging. The project provided immersive 360-degree VR experiences in a topic in Astronomy to nearly 100 participants, aged 10 to 26, who shared their feedback through surveys. The majority responded positively, with 62% describing the experience as "amazing" and "fantastic." Additionally, 69% reported significantly improved understanding of complex astronomical concepts, underscoring VR's potential to enhance learning. Moreover, students had strong enthusiasm for VR in education: 72% of participants advocated for integrating VR into the curriculum to make learning more dynamic and hands-on.

Being in Ethiopia was invaluable, allowing me to observe how VR could bridge educational gaps firsthand. This experience revealed the importance of making strengthened connections with local educators and organizations.

With an overarching goal to improve quality education, I envision this VR-based project as a stepping stone toward a more immersive and accessible learning experience. By leveraging technology, I aim to transform traditional teaching methods, enabling students to engage deeply with complex subjects and gain practical, hands-on understanding. This initiative not only supports students' STEM knowledge but also fosters critical thinking and curiosity—key components of quality education that can prepare young Africans for local and global challenges.