The world of Virtual reality (VR) is enormous and dynamic, with its usage across almost every area of endeavour. In the field of education, it offers immersive and interactive experiences that can enhance educational outcomes in a number of ways that traditional learning methods cannot do. While the basic classroom offers theory and field experience offers live and hands-on knowledge, Virtual Reality (VR) takes the step forward and enables learners navigate practical experiences with ease. They are provided live cases in dummy form with the licence to destroy and repair, make mistakes and correct them without the fear of incurring damages on the actual items.
Although education in itself is a wide field to consider when the integration of VR and learning is mentioned, we have curated below some learning experiences where VR can be utilised. We strongly advice educators to explore these forms to make excite learners, especially in this era where technology is at the heart of every innovative process.
Virtual Field Trips
We all have places we dream of going in life and we encounter environments in the four corners of the classroom which we want to expand our experiences of. VR can take your class on virtual field trips to places they might not be able to visit otherwise, such as historical sites, outer space, or inside the human body. Teachers can harness the power of this teaching aid to save cost and avoid the risk of long travels while still providing the best possible scenarios to learning.
Interactive Simulations
Complex concepts, especially in STEM fields, can be demonstrated through VR simulations. For example, students can experiment with virtual chemical reactions or physics experiments without the risks associated with real-life trials.
Language Learning
VR can create immersive environments where students can practice speaking and understanding foreign languages in realistic settings, such as ordering food in a restaurant or asking for directions.
Special Education
Another important aspect of VR learning is the breakthrough it holds for students with learning disabilities and physical disabilities. A controlled environment can be provided for students with autism to practice social skills while students with physical impairment such as blindness can have a visual enhancement to appreciate certain physical elements.
Medical Training
Medical students can practice surgeries and other procedures in a virtual environment, allowing for repetition and mastery without the need for real-life patients. As a result, they have experiences that are closest to what obtains in the real world thereby making their actual practice an easy procedure.
Architecture and Design
Students can build and walk through their architectural designs in VR, gaining a better understanding of spatial relationships and design concepts. With software such as Autodesk Live, Fuzor, Enscape and Shapespark, architects are capable of replicating the edifices in electronic forms.
Remote Learning
VR can create virtual classrooms where students and teachers can interact as if they were in a physical classroom, enhancing the remote learning experience. This is the next phase to learning where the line between physical classes and online classes is completely blurred off.
Conclusion
As cosy as this sounds, its implementation comes at a huge cost. Schools and institutions will need to ensure they have the necessary hardware (VR headsets and compatible devices), software (educational VR applications), and training for educators to integrate VR into their curricula effectively. As the world converge towards this level of technology, the education sector cannot be left behind in its bid to become the centre of production for the coming age.