Are Virtual Classrooms the Answer to Distance Learning Concerns?
Virtual reality can enhance the social aspects of remote learning
With schools around the world closed due to COVID-19, many countries have turned to distance learning. The move from a traditional classroom to online schooling has been difficult for many students due to outside concerns, lack of motivation, and difficulty of material without having immediate access to getting questions answered. The change has been just as hard for educators, with many instructors required to create entirely new lectures, technology issues, and a lack of student participation. However, beyond all of this, one of the most significant concerns with distance learning moving forward is the lack of social aspects included in traditional schooling. The lack of communication among students and instructors isn’t acceptable long term.
Many schools in the U.S. have decided that distance learning just isn’t working. However, what about the schools that are in higher risk areas forced to continue distance learning going forward? I believe that Education Technology companies such as ClassVR can tread the line between distance learning and a traditional classroom. This idea is known as a virtual classroom. Virtual classes allow students and instructors to have a more hands-on learning experience through the use of virtual headsets and digital avatars in a virtual environment. In this environment, students and instructors can interact, collaborate, and conduct learning similar to a classroom-based setting.
Why Use a Virtual Classroom?
One of the major benefits of virtual and augmented reality in the classroom is that not only are students immersed in their work, but also they can block out other classroom distractions.. -EdTechMagazine
In a time with distractions rampant at home, students and instructors can fully immerse themselves into learning through the use of virtual reality. In doing so, students and instructors reap the benefits of social engagement and one-on-one assistance without having to be in a physical classroom. Through the use of virtual reality headsets, attention focused on the virtual learning environment, and outside distractions removed almost entirely. Having the ability to keep an eye on students and monitor student questions and concerns in this environment also will cut down on the workload of instructors outside of the classroom.
Special education can benefit from virtual reality by allowing students to practice soft skills such as teamwork, teamwork, and increase self-esteem. This group of students can even test physical limitations and rehabilitate movements that they may not be fully able to control in the physical environment. Having the ability to work on these vital life skills from an earlier age is a massive leg up for many students today. With this level of benefit to students, I believe the usage of virtual reality will only continue to grow.
Usage Moving Forward
While virtual reality won’t be able to remove the need for classroom-based teaching entirely, it is a welcome change for many groups of students. After the COVID-19 pandemic, education has likely changed forever, and virtual classrooms are one such way to accomplish high-level learning. Whether it's a small portion or the entirety of your education plan, I believe that virtual reality will continue to grow within education for both instructors and students.
How do you feel about using virtual reality in the classroom?
