Latest news with #JoshuaJordan
Business News Wales
13-05-2025
- Business News Wales
VR Headsets Set to 'Revolutionise' Exam Preparation at College
Gower College Swansea is adding a cutting-edge twist to exam preparation by expanding its use of virtual reality (VR). The use of the technology aims to help students reduce anxiety and build confidence through immersive, lifelike exam experiences ahead of the big day. Learners can now experience exam rooms and timed assessment scenarios in VR, designed to demystify the unknown, reduce stress triggers, and empower them to feel calm and in control. Learner Engagement and Personal Development Lead at the College, Joshua Jordan, said: 'This idea comes from our in-house Digital Peer Mentors, whom alongside Jonathon Parker, digital media lecturer and college VR lead, are filming, developing and delivering this cutting-edge tech for our students. 'Stepping into a virtual exam room ahead of the real thing gives students a powerful sense of familiarity. It helps reduce anxiety by taking away the fear of the unknown and allows them to mentally rehearse success. 'Being able to experience the sights and sounds of the room, find their seat, and understand the layout makes the actual day feel far less daunting. It's a simple but effective way to boost confidence and put learners back in control.' Kelly Fountain, Principal of Gower College Swansea, said: 'While mental wellbeing is always a priority for us, we're especially proud of the proactive steps we're taking during exam season. These VR experiences help prepare learners in a truly unique way-supporting both emotional resilience and academic readiness. 'We also offer comprehensive, wrap-around support to meet learners wherever they are. From personal tutors, progress coaches, and in-class lecturer support, to pastoral coaches and student support officers providing personalised help, every part of the college is here to support student success. We even host yoga sessions, nature walks, have campus quiet zones, and campus wellbeing dogs, to help reduce stress levels. Wellbeing-specific VR headsets have also been introduced, offering 15 minutes of guided relaxation for students to encourage quality revision breaks. 'It is vital for us as a college to fully embrace new technology wherever possible, especially when it can have such a significant impact. We have already received positive feedback from learners and I'm looking forward to seeing how we continue to develop the use of VR across the college.' The use of VR headsets plays an important part of the college-wide wellbeing initiative, 'Just BREATHE'; which returns for a second year and is designed to help learners with exam preparation and stress management. Just BREATHE offers a memorable acronym to help learners with wellbeing steps during the revision period: B – Big breath – jump in! R – Read your notes E – Explore topics in more detail A – Ask yourself mock questions T – Take a break H – Highlights – recap your knowledge E – Evaluate – reflect on gaps
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tygart Valley United Way hosts Laugh United fundraiser
ELKINS, (WBOY) — The Tygart Valley United Way hosted an unforgettable evening of cocktails and comedy on Saturday, all designed to raise funds while furthering its mission to mobilize the community and provide much-needed assistance to those facing hardships. The highlight of the night was a performance by national comedian and illusionist Joshua Jordan, whose blend of humor and magic kept the audience entertained and laughing throughout the evening. United Way officials expressed that their event, Laugh United, is not only a fun way to unwind but also a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the community. Fasnacht: A fiery farewell to Old Man Winter Director of Community Engagement for the Tygart Valley United Way Jolynn Powers was happy to see the event come together. 'United Way is kind of a pass-through for your funds, we don't keep your funds,' Powers said. 'We take your funds, we gather them together, that $600,000 and redistribute it to the most important nonprofits in your communities and those nonprofits are the ones that are in direct service to your families, to your seniors, to your homeless every day.' By attending, participants not only enjoyed a night full of laughter, but also helped support a worthy cause, contributing to United Way's continued efforts to assist those facing challenges in the region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ohio nonprofit gearing up for annual Gala
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Tickets are on sale now for an Ohio nonprofit search and rescue team's annual fundraising gala. Rescue 101 SAR is a veteran-led organization from Ohio that conducts search and rescue operations across the nation. According to their website, the team consists of active and retired first responders, veterans and other volunteers. The organization said it specializes in emergency response, disaster preparation and relief. In a release sent to NBC4, Lt. Joshua Jordan describes the annual gala as a significant event for the nonprofit. Jordan said these fundraisers are essential for them to continue their vital work in providing critical assistance to those in need. Man charged after 7 dead horses found at his property Rescue 101 SAR emphasized the importance of educating not just their volunteers, but also communities. One of the team's goals is to strengthen everyone's preparedness for when disasters strike. The nonprofit created even more local teams by dividing the state into five regions. Three of those regions provide search and rescue, dive and recovery, and a disaster response team. The annual Gala is set to take place on April 19 at the Deer Creek State Park Lodge. For more information on Rescue 101 SAR and the Gala, visit their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
