Above: Surgical Technology Student testing out the PeriopSim VR Kit at James Rumsey Technical Institute, 2020
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, James Rumsey Technical Institute had to find an alternative way to educate and engage learners to provide surgical training. So, they purchased PeriopSim for desktops and tablets to help learners learn at home. They were also considering PeriopSim VR at that point and were looking into different options to fund the upgrade.
During the initial onboarding process for the desktop and tablet application, the Customer Success Manager at Conquer Experience, Jumana Mascati, arranged an Educator training session and set up a call with Jessica Firl, Surgical Technology Program Director, and Charles (Chuck) McClain, Technical Information Systems Instructor at James Rumsey Technical Institute, to help set up PeriopSim. Jumana explained the process of upgrading to the PeriopSim VR subscription which, when purchased, also includes the 2D version of the software for desktops and tablets.
Chuck requested additional information for PeriopSim VR, including a quote and stated that he wanted to utilize it and share it with the whole program. In the meantime, along with sending the quote to Chuck, Jumana arranged for the Travelling PeriopSim VR demo kit to be shipped to James Rumsey Technical Institute to allow learners and surgical technology educators to experience the virtual reality version of the application.
Angela Robert, the Conquer Experience CEO explained that PeriopSim Surgical Technology Program Educators have been able to purchase PeriopSim using either the Carl Perkins Grant or CARES funding. It is extremely important to update other schools that there is financial support out there that can help them purchase educational products. Conquer Experience wants to be able to provide and update the Surgical Technology Program educators on exploring more accessible funding options.
“After observing the VR kit, I had the opportunity to observe a student utilizing the VR system. I was impressed by the integrity of the product in replicating a field experience. This provides learners with appropriate practice, especially in the event that we would not be able to go to clinical sites.”
- Donna Van Metre, Principal and Director, James Rumsey Technical Institute
James Rumsey Technical Institute received notification of eligibility to apply for CARES Act funding from the federal government. The CARES Act funding is emergency financial aid to institutions and their students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Following guidance published by Federal Student Aid, they moved through the required procedure to submit an application for the grant through Grants.gov. Funds can also be used by the institution for support of physical, safety and instructional changes as a result of COVID-19.
To read the rest of the story on how James Rumsey Technical Institute was able to use the CARES Funding, click here.