Benefits Of Virtual Reality in Education
In the 1966 movie Fantastic Voyage, a submarine and its crew are reduced to the size of a human cell in order to navigate the scientist’s bloodstream and eliminate a blood clot in his brain. This imaginative science fiction film reflects humanity’s inclination to venture into unattainable domains due to our physical constraints. However, with the emergence of technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), elementary school students are now able to do just that. Nowadays, students embark on virtual field trips, exploring a wide range of destinations such as the ancient Roman Colosseum, outer space, and even the microscopic passages within the human body.
Many educators are open to the advantages of virtual reality in education, although some still have reservations about using it in their classrooms. The reasons for this hesitation range from the high costs involved to opposition from school administrators. Some individuals acknowledge the value of both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) as forms of entertainment, but do not view them as effective tools for teaching in the classroom. The concerns of educators, as outlined in a recent report by EdTech, include the bulky nature of the equipment, technical issues, and the availability and quality of content. In spite of these challenges, there is expected to be an increase in demand for AR and VR in education in the future. Consequently, current and future teachers should take the initiative to understand the advantages of incorporating virtual reality into their teaching practices.
Graduates who complete American University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program are equipped to be progressive educators who are capable of motivating students through the use of technology. The program’s emphasis on equipping graduates with the necessary skills to deliver education using a multidisciplinary approach is particularly beneficial.
The program equips graduates with practical technical abilities by utilizing advanced virtual platform technologies. Carolyn Parker, director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program in American University’s School of Education, states that the implementation of Mursion VR technology has allowed teacher candidates to enhance their confidence and skill in science instruction by practicing before working with actual students.
What are the benefits of VR in education?
Before discussing the advantages of virtual reality in education, it is important to understand the definition and distinction between virtual reality and augmented reality. Augmented reality involves the use of smart devices to overlay educational text and content onto a user’s real-life surroundings, allowing for interactive and meaningful learning experiences. On the other hand, virtual reality entails the creation of a complete digital environment that immerses users in a 360-degree experience that feels authentic. In a virtual reality setting, students can interact with the virtual environment as if they were physically present.
Virtual reality in education offers students more than just immersive learning experiences. It also has the potential to inspire their creativity, ignite their imaginations, and encourage them to explore new academic interests. Additionally, virtual reality can be a valuable tool for students who struggle with difficult concepts. For instance, by using augmented reality, geometry students can examine 3D shapes from various angles and even explore their interiors. Furthermore, virtual reality in education goes beyond academics and helps foster cultural competence. Through virtual reality field trips, students can gain a deeper understanding of different cultures around the world, promoting empathy and appreciation for diversity.
There is increasing evidence to suggest that AR, VR, and mixed reality (a combination of both) can benefit education by enhancing student outcomes. A study cited by EdTech in March 2019 found that students in a mixed reality biology classroom performed better than their peers. Additionally, AR and VR can improve memory retention and recall, as highlighted by a recent study reported by EdTech, which showed a nearly 9 percent increase in retention for students who learned using immersive technologies like VR.
Education and the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have become increasingly popular. This article provides valuable resources and helpful tips for incorporating AR and VR technology in classrooms.
Introducing AR and VR tools to the classroom can be done without spending a lot of money. There are various inexpensive resources available, such as affordable viewers like Google Cardboard and reasonably priced equipment that can be connected to smartphones. Teachers can also benefit from affordable or free apps, like 360Cities, which enable students to virtually visit places like Rome and Tokyo. TimeLooper is another app that allows students to explore historical locations, such as medieval London or World War II settings. Additionally, platforms like Immersive VR Education and Nearpod enable teachers to create lesson plans using VR and AR technology.
These tips can help teachers optimize the advantages of Virtual Reality (VR) in education by incorporating essential resources and creating immersive learning environments in their classrooms.
Ensure Ample Physical Space
In order to fully experience the advantages of virtual reality in education, it is crucial for students to practice safe usage of VR equipment. It is common for VR users to move around without considering their physical surroundings, which may result in accidental injury. Teachers should take the necessary steps to create spacious and safe classroom environments for students using VR. It is important for students to maintain a distance of at least an arm’s length from both their peers and any objects in the room. If possible, educators should opt for VR content that can be accessed by students while they are seated at their desks.
Overseeing Classroom VR Usage
Studies on the psychological effects of virtual reality (VR) on students indicate that in school environments, VR usage should be moderate and closely monitored. According to an article published on CNN.com, research findings revealed that excessive use of VR resulted in children developing false memories of actually visiting a location they had never been to. To mitigate this problem, it is recommended to limit VR educational sessions to brief periods within a longer lesson plan.
Know How to Use VR in the Classroom
Virtual reality (VR) has the ability to make academic subjects more engaging and provide students with fresh perspectives. However, it cannot completely replace the importance of human interaction in the learning process. Since learning is fundamentally a social experience, VR is most effective when used as an additional learning tool.
In what ways can teachers incorporate VR into their classroom? The answer to this question varies depending on the subject being taught. Employing VR technology to teach grammar may not be very effective as grammar is a quite theoretical concept. However, VR could be a useful tool for subjects that are more visual and hands-on, such as enabling students to learn about significant historical events or renowned landmarks through a more immersive experience.
For example, the Parthenon in Greece can be experienced virtually through VR equipment and software, allowing students to explore its architectural intricacies. Similarly, various STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math can also be effectively taught using VR. Ultimately, it is hard to imagine any child not delighting in the opportunity to “visit” the planets of our solar system.
Develop a Plan for VR Learning
One of the notable advantages of using virtual reality in the classroom is its capacity to ignite students’ curiosity and engage their interest. Nevertheless, if students are left unsupervised, they may stray away from the lesson’s focus. That is why it is crucial for educators to establish a structured strategy to make the most of VR in the lesson plans and provide guidance to their students. As a component of this strategy, it is essential for teachers to set goals and expectations for students and establish guidelines that students should adhere to in order to enhance their learning experiences.
Teach Empathy and Cultural Competence
VR has the amazing ability to transport various locations from around the world into the classroom. This allows students to gain new perspectives that can promote empathy and cultural understanding by taking them out of their usual, everyday experiences. By using VR and AR, students can better grasp the unique circumstances faced by people in different parts of the world. For instance, teachers can utilize VR applications to improve language instruction by exposing students to the cultures associated with the language they are learning. The use of technology to create culturally sensitive environments also teaches students to appreciate and respect other cultures that differ from their own.
Become an Innovative Education Leader
New and advanced educational technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are continuously being developed. A report from EdWeek in April 2019 stated that by 2021, about 15 percent of schools in the United States will have the means to provide virtual reality experiences to students in the classroom. How can teachers equip themselves to make the most of VR in education and enhance the results of student learning?
American University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program aims to provide aspiring teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively improve the education system and ensure equal opportunities for all students. The program prepares graduates to become innovative education leaders by incorporating the latest advancements in neurodevelopment, social-emotional interventions, and a multidisciplinary approach to STEM education. These curriculum components are designed to equip students with the skills needed to navigate and excel in the education field, which is increasingly influenced by emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).
If you want to further your career in education by utilizing technology, discover how American University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program can position you at the forefront of the educational advancements that are revolutionizing schools and changing lives.