(Pictured: Students in Mrs.McFarland and Mrs. Barron’s classrooms at Canon-McMillan High School using Floreo.)
According to their webste (https://www.floreotech.com), Floreo's mission is to “create the first behavioral therapy metaverse, a virtual world that is safe for learners, equipping them with skills and tools they can apply in their everyday lives. We have developed a VR platform that teaches social, behavioral, communication and life skills.”
After being contacted by a representative who sells Floreo, Director of Special Education Mrs. Becky Lieb engaged in a remote demo on what Floreo was, how it works, and listened to data on how it can help students progress with their functional skills. Eager to move forward but wanting input from those directly in the buildings and working with the Autistic and Life Skills programs, Mrs. Lieb set up another demo with K-12 administration and teachers so they could see the same demonstration. The response was overwhelmingly positive as the question wasn’t whether or not we should move forward with obtaining Floreo for these classrooms, but how soon could we implement it. At this time, Canon-McMillan School District is utilizing this new tool weekly in Canon-McMillan Autistic and Life Skills Support programs K-12.
The students in Mrs.McFarland and Mrs. Barron’s classrooms at Canon-McMillan High School for example have been using Floreo to work on navigating an airport, conversations in a restaurant, crossing the street, and so much more. At the elementary level, teachers use Floreo to teach and reinforce social skills, following directions, communication skills, etc., and as a reward and an option for de-escalation. The students and teachers love Floreo.
Laura Losi, a teacher at South Central Elementary School said, “The kids get so excited when it's their turn to use it. It's definitely been a great addition to our classroom this year and I hope that we can continue using it in the future!”
It’s clear students and teachers from every level in Canon-McMillan School District have loved using this tool so far. Some quotes from some Canon-McMillan High School students include:
Quintin said, “I wish we could do this all day!” Natalie exclaimed “If I finish my work, can we get onto Floreo?!” Quinton stated, “I want to try a new lesson!”
Canon-McMillan hopes to continue to hold up the excitement with the students by continuing to implement Floreo in these programs.