Virtual Reality in the Classroom
Are Schools Ready for VR, or is it just a Dream?
Virtual reality field trips are not as far off as you think. Educational content is ready for virtual reality and augmented reality to take it and turning it into an immersive learning experience. Our students are so prepared to use this form of technology that they don’t know that they are using it when they are on their smartphones or other devices. However, they are already so confident in mixed reality settings that they can adapt their previous experiences of the technology to the subjects that employ Google Expeditions or similar software with ease.
Are Teachers ready for Virtual Reality?
When first picking up a VR headset such as the Oculus Rift, it can feel quite daunting. Even though the technology is now streamlined and good-looking, sliding on virtual reality headsets and losing sight of the natural world can be daunting at first. However, once someone accesses the turns on the headset and is fully immersed into virtual experiences, the majority are blown away by how quickly the human brain starts to accept the new reality — and how quickly the 360-degree interactive environments start to feel real.
Like the real world.
Not only that, but teachers, as professionals, can identify how this form of content delivery could benefit different students and how having student headsets in the classroom could increase student engagement, enrich the learning process and bring lesson plans into the 21st Century.
Why do Schools Need this Technology to Enhance their Content and Enrich Student Experiences?
Here is a list of our top 5 reasons we think the VR classroom is required in 2022 and beyond:
- Virtual school trips stop money and location being a barrier to experience
- Teacher-led activities can happen as a 360-degree, immersive user experience
- Virtual spaces can support students with complex needs and disabilities
- Control of the learning is passed from teacher to the student, giving learners full ownership
What Issues are There with Delivering Educational Content Using Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality?
Before this technology can go mainstream, we need to recognize the barriers and how to overcome them.
- The initial investment required for this technology to be adopted at the school-wide level is still too high for primary and secondary students.
- Educational experiences are still limited compared to traditional teaching methods and need to complement the curriculum better.
- Student devices are often leagues ahead of school equipment which is usually dated and not ready to support virtual classrooms with virtual content.
So What is Next for VR Classrooms and Teaching?
VR is not a tool that educators should put on the shelf and forget about. Virtual field trips and learning in immersive environments are possible for schools if the money is successfully sourced and the technology offered for less. Students and teachers are ready for immersive experiences, but they are just waiting for the VR and AR industries to give them the keys to the kingdom.
