Virtual reality (#VR) technically refers to a computer-generated simulation, in which an artificial environment exists.
This realistic environment is accessible to the user in all directions and provides an immersive experience.
Naturally, educators observed great potential in this technology and have made several attempts to successfully incorporate it into classrooms and learning modules.
Here, in this compilation, we will analyze some of the most effective implementations of virtual reality in education.
1. Bring destinations to classrooms
Perhaps one of the first aspects that seemed likely and promising to most educators and trainers is to bring full destinations to the four walls of classrooms. Instead of interrupting a child’s pace of learning with field trip, they suggest using a trip to the virtual field.
On average, a regular field trip, i.e. one in the park or a movie, aims to refresh young minds and involve them in a lighter subject. However, the excessive participation of home trips destroys him. In addition, it also requires an additional budget.
Virtual reality, on the other hand, does the job in a matter of seconds. Using RV tools like Google Expedition, we can take students everywhere. The big part is that it retains the learning part. In addition, you can perform several. And even offer children a real-life experience, as virtual reality allows for interaction within landscapes and with objects.
2. Make use of 3D models
Another great way to effectively use virtual reality on the four walls of the classroom is to bring textual content to life. Reading coordinates or long descriptions requires twice as much information from students, compared to the input needed for effective use of virtual reality.
Virtual reality helps to reproduce 3D textual content in video and audio forms, which makes it easier to understand. It also contributes to image memory. Thus, helping students with better knowledge retention.
Along with image memory, we recommend that you encourage students to take notes regardless of the impact that virtual reality has. The notes taken on their whiteboards and notebooks will keep them attentive and present at the conference.
For example, anatomy students can study the entire skeleton, bones, muscles, and internal structure by using applications such as Brain VR, 3D Organon VR, and more. Similarly, environmentalists and nature enthusiasts can make use of apps like Discover VR. It offers complete videos about nature, nature, animals, weather and what not.
3. Incorporate Fun and Mysteries
Virtual reality is already quite fun compared to the current static mode of learning. However, for the new generation, constant exposure to the latter technology can make it seem boring. And they can deviate from their learning modules.
To keep the hype and excitement alive, virtual reality apps and tools also offer room for fun (incomparable fun, yes!). You could make them play with mysteries like the Dark Room and the story of a Fisher man in his free lessons. These puzzle games increase cognitive thinking and the nature of manipulating virtual reality tools will increase control of hand movements and improve thought processes.
4. Maintain a balance between virtual reality and the current learning model
As mentioned above, the current generation may lose interest in more than extraordinary experiences when constant exposure is provided.
Therefore, a balance must be maintained. When you are planning a virtual reality activity, make sure there are a couple of lessons in which students pull out their textbooks to read and write.
5. Maximize hands-on learning
Virtual reality tools and applications also offer a wide range of hands-on learning that, of course, has a lasting impact. It helps the student learn more about how and why, if not and if they could.
Some VR technologies also offer sensory experiences. While a bit expensive, it allows students to learn from a simulated real-life experience. For example, a textbook may not be able to tell that the smell of blood when sewing a patient may affect your level of performance and stability. However, a simulated real-life experience will not only reveal it. But also indirectly teach the student how to deal with the situation.
6. Remote teaching and learning
During the pandemic, we unveiled another valuable aspect of virtual reality in the education sector, namely distance learning. When presented in physical classrooms became a point of the problem, virtual reality bridged the gap and provided students and teachers with the opportunity to meet in virtual spaces. Here, the learning experience was nothing less than a physical classroom, as the people involved could share their presentations, exchange opinions and ideas, discuss things and other things.
Advantages of virtual reality in education
Given the above effective uses, virtual reality is much more attractive than current forms of learning. It encourages student participation and forces closed minds to go out and think. Previous studies suggest that students spend about one-fifth of their time in class moving around or browsing their mobile (usually distracted) devices.
The RV solves it very well. With so many things going on around it, it’s almost impossible for another student to want to get carried away by something else. A learning experience based on virtual reality requires constant attention and participation.
Instead, students also discover their hidden abilities and potentials. They master their existing skills. As they pay more attention to learning and to themselves, they discover their true potential. Therefore, it maximizes learning output.
Final thoughts
Virtual reality is literally transforming the education sector. We leave the pages and bring our learning experience to real life, which in turn promotes the STEM and STEAM learning module. Therefore, give birth to more practical minds than ever.
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing and anything related to technology