Dr. Naoki Suzuki of the Tokyo Gakugei University in Japan demonstrated how virtual reality (VR) technology can assist in physical education (PE) classes during his lecture at the Conference Hall of the Research Development and Extension (RDE) Building, Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus (LSPU-SPCC), Sep. 4, 2023. 

Dr. Naoki Suzuki, an Associate Professor of Pedagogy of Physical Education, shared how the use of VRs may capacitate students in particular sports through simulation and practice afforded in the virtual world. The said Information and Communication (ICT)-assisted teaching promotes the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) learning model where equal opportunity is given for optimum learning regardless of varied learning capacity. 

“VR content provides learning resources that allow students with different abilities and preferences to learn well,” explained Dr. Suzuki. 

The lecture on VR integration was a part of the one-day conference themed, “Empowering Physical Education Program: Uniting Physical Education and Mental Well-being through Sustainable Physical Education,” a lecture hosted by the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and Graduate Studies and Applied Research (GSAR) at the LSPU-SPCC as part of its efforts and initiatives for teaching innovation and internationalization.  

Participating in the event from LSPU were Dr. Eden C. Callo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; A/Prof. Joel M. Bawica, Campus Director of LSPU-SPCC; Dr. Edilberto Z. Andal, Dean of CTE, associate deans, program coordinators, local units and faculty, staff, and students. Also participating in the lecture were representatives from the International Association of Physical Education and Sports Incorporated (IAPES) and the Department of Education (DepEd) of San Pablo City and Laguna.

After his lecture, Dr. Suzuki allowed the participants to experience VR for learning. Volunteer faculty members, administrators, and students were able to use the head-mounted display (HMD) to experience swimming in the virtual world. 

Some of the questions raised after the demonstration included the precision afforded by the VR experience vis-à-vis the real world; the designing and programming involved in the development of the technology; and the manner of facilitating learning with both the VR and the teachers in the class. 

After the cultural performances from the selected Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) students, the program started with the preliminaries (i.e., invocation, national anthem of the Philippines and Japan, and LSPU hymn), followed by the opening remarks of CD Bawica; rationale from Dr. Callo; introduction of the speaker by Mr. Roger Gimpaya, program head for BPEd; lecture proper by Dr. Suzuki, and closing remarks by Dr. Andal. Ms. Aera Joyce Ciar of the Senior High School Department (SHS) served as the lady of the ceremony. 

As part of his visit to the Philippines, Dr. Suzuki went to selected elementary and high school institutions in San Pablo City and Calauan, Laguna, to learn more about the status of PE implementation in the country. 

Dr. Andal shared that this visitation is anticipated to herald possible international partnerships for the LSPU, particularly for the CTE faculty and students. [LSPU Information Office]