Virtual Reality in the education sector has increased over the past few years. It has completely transformed education by creating new ways to teach and learn. Immersive and Interactive education in VR provides a riveting environment to explore things outside the classroom. Visualization help students grasp information quickly and explore new techniques of learning.
In a world where technology is a dominant feature in daily life, VR is becoming more prominent in many industries. As a result, what was once a luxury commodity has become accessible to all age groups. This article will explore what VR is, how it works, and why it is perfect for the modern learning environment.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation that creates an environment with scenes and objects that appear real, immersing the user in their surroundings. The background can be perceived through a Virtual Reality Headset or helmet. The experience seems so impressive that the surroundings feel real.
How does VR work?
The VR headsets are embedded with stereoscopic lenses positioned between a built-in LED screen and eyes, distorting images into a 3D format and making them look natural. The device passes two images through these lenses, each for one eye, similar to the vision length. Other technologies used in VR headsets include gyroscopes and motion sensors for tracking head, body, and hand positions.
Through Virtual Reality, students can experience things that would not be possible or be too expensive to visit in person. This way, VR can open a new world of possibilities for students and teachers.
How is virtual reality perfect for the modern learning environment?
There are so many ways where virtual reality can be helpful for students. Some of them are-
High-Experience Learning
Through virtual reality, students get the opportunity to learn through experiences, unlike traditional learning methods (reading and writing). It can also help to improve knowledge retention and student engagement.
Inspiring and Boosting Self-Confidence
Having the ability to see and experience extraordinary locations, students will get more involved in the teaching process and gain inspiration and motivation to learn more.
It enhances Imagination Power and Encourages Creative Thinking.
Immersive and interactive education in VR provides a unique mode of teaching. Students are transported out of the classrooms, and through their imaginations, they can explore more.
VR in education promotes peer interaction.
Through virtual reality, students are encouraged to interact with each other, which improves their social interaction level. They will be able to exchange knowledge and ideas and discuss their experiences.
Improves Engagement
According to the latest research, it has been found that students get bored quickly with classic teaching techniques. However, the VR technology in the classroom has got students’ attention like nothing else. It has been seen that students take more interest and stay attentive to learning from VR.
Virtual Reality provides realistic travel experiences.
Using VR headsets in classrooms provides students to travel and analyze things that are not practically possible. Hence, schools can save time and money, providing students with an incredible experience. Moreover, long after the VR is finished, students can remember the experience, which can help them to grasp concepts for future lessons.
Implementing VR in classrooms
There are two ways in which virtual reality can be implemented in the classrooms:
- Through VR headsets
- Through Immersive classrooms
Through VR Headsets
Using VR headsets and tools is the most common and practical way to implement VR in classrooms. With minimal cost, equipment, and space, more schools are switching to VR headsets.
For a classroom of 30 students, upto 15 headsets are required. These are usually standalone headsets, requiring no connection to any device. In addition, teachers are also taught how to access VR headsets and how they can implement them into their lectures.
In short, VR headsets can be more beneficial in their immersion and interaction level. However, it can be a little tricky to use at the beginning, but they can serve the students with the best experience they can ever expect.
Immersive Classrooms
An immersive classroom is a teaching experience in which images are projected onto the internal walls of the room. It creates a virtual environment within the classroom, making it more engaging and fun to learn. Students are transported into a different world without leaving the classroom. Hence, without a headset, students can enjoy the experience and interact with each other.
Unlike VR headsets, which can be a little uncomfortable for some students, immersive classrooms are suitable for everyone. Students will be able to enjoy their classes in a more familiar environment.
Conclusion
Schools, colleges and universities have seen growth within education through VR for the past few years. VR educational content can fit around the lesson plan and curriculum seamlessly. Virtual reality has made an educational impact, and learning roots deeper than traditional teaching methods.
