Words to Worlds: Bringing Student Writing to Life

Dear Parents and Carers,

I’d like to share an innovative project taking place in our Year 8 English classrooms under Mr Oag’s guidance this term. We’re combining traditional writing skills with new technology to create meaningful learning experiences.

Year 8 students have been studying ‘life writing’ through Saroo Brierley’s memoir ‘Lion’. What makes this unit special is our use of our new VR headsets and AI tools to enhance students’ understanding of descriptive language and visual storytelling.

Students began by writing detailed paragraphs about places that hold personal significance to them. Using their carefully crafted descriptions as prompts for AI image generation, students have been able to see their words transformed into visual representations. These images are then developed into 3D environments that students can explore.

The learning intention is that students are discovering firsthand how powerful precise, expressive language can be in communicating what exists in their imagination. Our discussions focus on how good writers create mental images through deliberate word choices, helping readers visualise the worlds being described.

The next phase is particularly exciting. Students will continue developing their narratives while creating 3D worlds for others to experience. Using our VR headsets, classmates will listen to stories narrated by the student authors while walking through worlds created from their writing.

This combination of traditional literacy with digital literacy reflects our School’s commitment to developing inquiring and knowledgeable students. By connecting traditional storytelling with contemporary digital tools, we’re preparing students to be thoughtful creators, not just technology consumers.

Thanks to our teaching staff, especially Mr Oag, whose enthusiasm for innovative teaching has made this possible. As we continue to explore the educational potential of our digital resources, we remain committed to ensuring that technology serves to enhance, rather than replace traditional teaching and methodology.

Tara Schmidtke
Director of Digital Learning and Research