Does Virtual Reality Have a Place in eLearning?
The importance of enriching educational experiences.
In this article, I will address the following questions we should all be asking about our children’s educational experiences and technology in the classroom:
- What is eLearning?
- Is it learning online?
- Virtual school for my kids?
- Health and Safety training videos at work?
- Education games on my iPad?
What is eLearning?
eLearning is a term that gets used a lot and often incorrectly. So what is the best definition?
The Economic Times defines eLearning as:
“A learning system based on formalised teaching but with the help of electronic resources.”
Makes for a solid definition.
My interpretation of this is that a teacher, trainer or educator using an electronic device or digital resource to facilitate the learning in the classroom is using eLearning.
This means two things.
First: eLearning is happening all around us as technology can be found in most workplaces, classrooms and homes in the modern world.
eLearning is big business with 77% of companies using eLearning and fueling the staggering 900% increase in the industry’s size since 2000.
In fact, if you think about it for long enough, most of the learning you probably do these days is a form of eLearning. It is no different for our children. Especially during Coronavirus, when schools are closed and the classroom is in our living rooms.
Second: due to the pandemic and COVID-19, it is becoming more important than ever that we understand the role of eLearning in education and ensure it is deployed effectively and with impact.
However, let’s get something clear. Sitting a child in front of a tablet is not eLearning. There has to be active learning taking place and progress that can be measured.
So when a teacher uses technology in the classroom, it cannot be because it makes life easier or quiets a rowdy class. It has to be used with purpose and intent.
It also has to boost engagement, motivation, attainment or some other measures of success in the classroom.
It’s the same when facilitating training at work. The tech might look cool, but will it help the learners meet the goals or objectives of the training session? If not, don’t use it.
It is that simple.
What can Virtual Reality bring to eLearning?
In a survey by Samsung, “92% of educators back the use of technology in the classroom, with 67% having no issue integrating technology into the classroom.”
Teachers know that technology makes a difference in learning and provides opportunities that books cannot.
Teachers and educators are willing to learn the skills necessary to help their students.
This is why I feel VR could be a secret weapon in education and the next big thing in eLearning. It is not only engaging; it facilitates and deepens understanding, and provides an immersive learning experience — not to mention it is backed by a group of adults willing to learn what it takes to support their classes.
In addition to enhancing the educational experience, the majority of teachers believe that the use of VR in class can increase students’ motivation (74 percent) and improve their learning success (62 percent). 58 percent of educators also feel that the use of the technology can help students better understand learning concepts. (Samsung-backed survey “VR in the Classroom,” Kantar EMNID)
Looking at an iPad screen is fine, but it still allows for distraction. Looking at images or video clips is great, but what if you could step and move around and truly experience your learning?
VR allows your senses to be fully immersed in what is going on around you, so you can explore new ideas in 360 degrees and 3D with your teacher or trainer by your side, rather than across the classroom dealing with another child.
It may be nowhere near as prolific in classrooms as the tablet, laptop or projector, but I believe it should be. Cost and teacher confidence should not be a barrier to allowing our students to have enriching educational experiences, especially now, when their options are limited and their needs at their greatest.
Teachers are ready to learn the tech — are investors and decision makers ready to invest in the hardware?
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