At HAMI (Häme Vocational Institute), students can now get a concrete understanding of why mastering mathematical concepts matters in practical forestry work. The goal was to support students in learning mathematical concepts and to motivate them by closely integrating common qualification modules with vocational studies. Together with 3DBear, HAMI developed a VR exercise for quality control measurement in planting and an AR exercise for understanding area conversions.
What makes the exercises created with HAMI's teachers unique is that they support very different types of learners. The exercises have built-in support and differentiated pathways. Students can start with very different levels of mathematical proficiency, and each still receives the support they need. "The exercises make common modules more meaningful by connecting them to vocational content. At the same time, teaching mathematics becomes more rewarding for teachers as well, when concepts can be tied to the profession," says Vice Rector and Forestry Education Manager Kari Saarelma.
The VR exercise begins with calculating the area of sample plots, then moves to the planting area. Students can progress step by step through the area calculations with support. In the exercise, students also get to challenge themselves and experience success: "Yay, I passed! Great feeling."
"From HAMI's perspective, using the platform itself is easy, but the role of planning and scripting is enormous — it requires time and expertise."
Close collaboration between mathematics and vocational teachers throughout the project ensured that the exercises genuinely support student learning. The exercises were carefully planned before implementation, and this shows in the final result. The teachers involved were also closely engaged in building the content on the platform and gained skills in using it. From HAMI's side, using the platform itself is considered easy, but the role of planning and scripting is enormous and requires both time and expertise. 3DBear wholeheartedly agrees.
In the photo, a student has measured out a 100-square-meter area on the lawn, and next comes tree planting work using AR. Student testing confirmed that the exercise helps improve understanding of area sizes and unit conversions.
At HAMI, the exercises were driven by the need to support students in understanding area conversions and unit conversions. Addressing mathematical concepts in the context of practical forestry work is essential for understanding the subject. Forestry Lecturer Terhi Mäkinen describes the challenges in practical teaching: "When on field trips you try to give students an understanding of why math matters for practical work, about ten students in the back are throwing pine cones while a few actually listen." Terhi notes that with XR exercises, the situation is different: "Now each student focuses on their own performance, getting to actually do and calculate in practice in a virtual, authentic environment. This way, students also reinforce what they've learned."
Kari sees great potential in integrating common modules with vocational studies. "When common modules are connected to work, studies become much easier for those who want to work with their hands and in practice. Add gamification, and students potentially learn without even realizing they're learning." Kari summarizes that integrating common modules with vocational studies supports students in achieving eligibility for further education and a swift transition to employment.
Author:
Sara Saloniemi, 3DBear Project Lead
For questions about the project, contact Terhi Mäkinen, Lecturer and Study Counselor, Forestry, terhi.makinen@hami.fi