Introduction of Mining Virtual Reality (mining VR) to Geology and Mining Students of Vocational School Muhammadiyah Jambi City

Abstract

The employment of vocational high school graduates in the mining sector remains relatively low compared to other educational levels. With the continued expansion of the mining industry in Indonesia, particularly in Jambi Province, the establishment of vocational high schools with Mining Geology majors in Jambi City is anticipated to contribute to the supply of workers. The scarcity of teachers, particularly those with a mining education background, can be a significant factor in the decline in the quantity and quality of these vocational high school graduates. This program aims to introduce Mining Virtual Reality (Mining VR) as a contemporary learning approach for the mining industry. Utilizing this simulation program, students can engage directly with various mining activities within the classroom without incurring substantial financial and time expenditures. Furthermore, they gain access to restricted areas, such as underground mines and blasting zones. The intended outcomes of this program encompass: (1) augmenting student knowledge and comprehension of several mining learning modules, (2) fostering students’ practical skills in the utilization of digital technology through Virtual Reality Simulators, and (3) disseminating activities in the form of articles on social media platforms and comprehensive reports. This program is expected to enhance the quality of graduates of Muhammadiyah Vocational High Schools specializing in Mining Geology.