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Students take virtual leap in learning
Virtual WEB 1
Students in Tracey Abercrombie’s class at Coal Mountain Elementary use a mix of computers, smartphones and tablets as they work on projects with NOBLE, or New Opportunities for Better Learning Environments, a new virtual technology being used in the local school system. - photo by Jim Dean
Sam Hendrixson spent his Thursday morning flying over the Berlin Wall, walking through a museum and exploring a volcano.It was a NOBLE effort for the Coal Mountain Elementary fifth-grader.NOBLE, or New Opportunities for Better Learning Environments, is a new virtual technology being rolled out in Forsyth County Schools. It allows students and teachers to create their own world.Students make avatars for the three-dimensional environment, where they can build, explore and talk with one another. NOBLE was implemented in late January at Coal Mountain and three other schools — North Forsyth High, Piney Grove Middle and Mashburn Elementary, as well as with the staff of the future Kelly Mill Elementary.Hendrixson said it took some time to become acclimated to the program.“Now, I think everybody has a better grasp on this whole concept,” Hendrixson said.