Integrating virtual reality into the classroom is easier than you think

Key points:

Integrating virtual reality (VR) into the classroom can be easier than you think. With growing demand and innovations In the realm of virtual reality technology, now may be the best time to integrate VR into everyday classes. While it was once an experimental and cutting-edge technology, it has now gone mainstream.

Before we delve into the details of because Integrating virtual reality will lead to success in your classroom and as To do so, let's first define what it is and how it is similar to (and different from) other recent technologies.

What are VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality)?

According to the technology/virtual-reality” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Encyclopedia BritannicaVirtual reality refers to “the use of computer models and simulations that allow a person to interact with an artificial three-dimensional (3D) visual or other sensory environment.” This is achieved by putting on a headset equipped with a display and lenses that trick the brain into seeing the depth of a 3D environment. With this technology, a user can look around and interact with a digital three-dimensional space as if they were actually there.

Similar to virtual reality, technology/augmented-reality” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Britannica tells us Augmented reality (AR) is a “process of combining or ‘augmenting’ video or photographic images by overlaying useful computer-generated data.” Unlike VR, which takes the user into a 3D digital environment, AR simply overlays images and information over the user’s real-life surroundings. AR is a useful technology that deserves its own article and analysis, but I won’t do that here!

Why use virtual reality in education?

Experiential learning is a concept that has been present in education for a long time. A quote Attributed to Confucius explains the concept in simple terms:

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

Experiences, especially hands-on learning experiences, can be powerful opportunities for students. It's one thing to study a concept in a textbook. It's another to see that concept come to life. While you may not be able to take your class on as many field trips to as many places as you'd like, VR can open the door to more experiential learning opportunities. While an in-person field trip can cost thousands of dollars for a school, the same enriching, interactive VR experiences can be had at a fraction of the cost—and many are free. Your students can visit a variety of places on these virtual field trips—from sending slime into space to innovative maker and manufacturing spaces, the opportunities are endless. virtually endless!

TO recent study They compared two groups of students taking an art appreciation course: one that studied using a more traditional learning model and the other group that integrated virtual reality. They found that the students who used VR to view and interact with the artworks showed more motivation to learn and even showed higher performance at the end.

Furthermore, tomorrow's students may already be integrating virtual reality into their own lives. Recent research suggests that as many as 100% of students are using virtual reality. technology-may-find-its-way-to-workforce.html#:~:text=The%20jump%20in%20usage%20correlates,had%20access%20to%20a%20headset.” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>One in three teenagers owns or uses a virtual reality headset. When blogs first appeared online, teachers coped with that technological growth by blogging with students. With the advent of short-form video content on so many sites, teachers are turning to Design of short instructional videosI think it's time to reach students where they are with virtual reality as well.

Integrating virtual reality is easier than you think!

Now that we’ve established what virtual reality is and why it’s a great addition to any teacher’s classroom, let’s look at how we can enable students to access it.

At first glance, you may find many virtual reality headsets There are devices on the market that may put your teacher off. With models ranging from $500 to $3,000, it doesn't seem possible or feasible to integrate virtual reality into your school or classroom. However, the solution may be so simple that it could already be in your pocket. For just a few dollars, you can turn a smartphone into a virtual reality headset with products like Google Cardboard. With Up to 91 percent of 14-year-olds have With access to a personal smartphone, teachers can use VR in the classroom with minimal monetary investment. Students can download a VR app to their phone, insert it into the headset, and begin using VR right away.

There are also many grants and funding opportunities available, such as VR Classfor example, or even the National Science FoundationI remember my mother, a teacher and innovator with over 30 years of experience, applying for grants to make her school one of the first in our city to have a computer lab. In today's world, you could be the first in your district to integrate virtual reality with one of these grants.

Final Thoughts

Reaping the benefits of integrating virtual reality into the classroom may be easier than you think! With grants, cell phones already in students’ possession, and the low cost of virtual field trips, you may find yourself taking a virtual field trip sooner rather than later.

While our schools don't have the budget to do many field trips in a year, VR can take us there and give students experiences that wouldn't otherwise be possible. You can be innovative and reach out to kids where they are right now – the opportunities are virtually endless!