Coimbatore Corporation plans to roll out AR-VR labs in more schools

The Coimbatore Corporation is planning to set up Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) laboratories in more schools in the district.

The initiative follows the launch earlier this year of AR-VR labs at Sidhapudur Corporation Girls High School and S.R.P. Ammuniammal Girls Higher Secondary School in R.S. Puram, each costing around ₹70 lakh. The civic body now plans to extend the facility to six more Corporation schools at a cost of ₹4.8 crore.

The Corporation oversees 148 schools, covering 83 primary, 37 middle, 11 high, and 17 higher secondary schools.

The new laboratories will be set up at P. Kamalanathan Memorial Higher Secondary School in Ward 43, Corporation Higher Secondary School in Peelamedu, Masakalipalayam Middle School, Ramakrishnapuram Girls Higher Secondary School in Ward 63, and Ranganathapuram Girls Higher Secondary School in Ward 67.

According to an official from the Education Department, each lab will feature VR headsets, high-resolution displays, and AR-enabled tablets loaded with syllabus-aligned modules for Classes VI to XII. These modules employ interactive 3D models and simulations to cover subjects such as science, mathematics, and social science, enabling students to virtually explore topics like the circulatory system, chemical reactions, and geometry. Modules for Classes I to V are also available. Test performance and learning progress will be monitored through tablet-based assessments integrated within the system.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran added, “The labs will be set up this year, as the tender process is ongoing. We plan to expand the facility to more schools in a phased manner. Feedback from students, parents and teachers has been positive, especially as the modules are explained in Tamil, making it easier for students to understand concepts compared to traditional textbook learning.”