In recent years technology has really stepped it up a gear and the constant advancements and developments really are second to none. Through introducing VR into education, the use of technology has increased exponentially,  breaking down the barriers and restrictions of the classroom walls. 

It can also be used as a method to include those self-isolating if someone in their household has tested covid positive.

What is virtual reality?

VR (virtual reality) is an artificial environment that is created using specialist electronic equipment that is presented to a user in such a way that the artificial environment seemingly becomes real and physical. It’s usually experienced through two of the five human senses: sound and sight. The equipment used to create an artificial environment is usually a headset with a screen inside, but VR experiences can also be enhanced through the use of motion simulators.

How Virtual Reality Is Being Used In Education 

How is VR being used in education?

Making the impossible possible 

The main purpose of introducing VR into education is to make studying exciting, effective and engaging. VR provides students with an interactive platform that merges both education with imagination, often making the impossible possible. 

There are some learning processes that are of a higher risk than others. For example, science lessons often carry an element of risk with them thanks to potentially dangerous chemicals. VR learning can create a safe virtual environment to experiment and learn these skills, by interacting with digital objects students can conduct these experiments without the risk of harm. 

Hands-on experience with Virtual Reality in Education

Studies show that around 37% of children learn through hands-on experiences, making them kinesthetic learners. 

Kinesthetic learners are the type of people who learn through experience and interaction rather than listening or being told information. With over a third of all children learning in this way, introducing VR to classrooms will have a significant impact on their education and the information they retain. This will be apparent in significant improvements in test results and knowledge about a given subject. 

VR also allows students to experiment and experience tasks that wouldn’t necessarily be available within a classroom parameter.

Virtual field trips 

VR technology when used in both public and UK boarding schools, can be used to engage students in topics related to geography and history by offering an immersive experience focusing on the sense of place and time. Virtual field trips are also a much cheaper way for students to experience boundaries beyond the classroom walls.

When people read about something, they often want to experience it themselves. With VR, students aren’t limited to just reading about a destination – they can explore it and see how things are put together. Students can learn about a subject by living it. 

It’s easy to forget that VR experiences aren’t real when our minds and bodies actually believe they’re in a new place. This feeling engages the mind in a way that is remarkable. Virtual Reality in Education has a wealth of possibilities.

Summary

These are just some of the ways in which VR is being used to enhance education. Not only is Virtual Reality used for gaming experiences, but it is also being introduced for more advanced learning for adults in fields like medicine, science and naval defence training. 

 

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Holly MacDonald
Holly studied Digital Journalism at University of Strathclyde. A single mum, her young son Thomas battles for adulation with her love of wine and chocolate, and the very occasional guilt-driven Gym appearance. Other than writing, Holly has a love for making jewellery, thanks to her beloved grandmother.