CultusIt is no surprise that every sphere of life is tapping into the power of modern technologies. Technologies like AI (artificial intelligence), VR (virtual reality), ML (machine learning), and AR (augmented reality) are reliable when it comes to simplifying things. Whether it’s learning, obtaining insights from big data, accessing services, or directing business operations, these technologies are the answer.
In the past, the education field was quite adamant about joining the bandwagon of technology use. But as technology continues to influence every sphere of life, the education field isn’t spared.
In one way or the other, educators, tutors, and school administrators must leverage technologies to improve efficiency and deliver meaningful lessons. Besides that, modern technologies have proven to be reliable when it comes to improving teaching experiences.
Within the present century, technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence), AR (Augmented Reality), and VR (virtual reality) have found their way into the learning and teaching field. These technologies when properly applied can align education experiences to future needs. That’s because these technologies are revolutionizing every area of life.
In this blog, we look at a popular technology known as VR and its capabilities in the learning and teaching sphere.
Virtual Reality in a Classroom
First and foremost, VR, or virtual reality is a technology that creates simulated environments. The new digital environment offers a user a 360-degree view of the content. Unlike AR, VR is top-notch technology that offers a feeling as though the user is present in the virtual world.
VR precisely offers an immersive experience and this happens with the help of VR headsets and other accessories. Virtual reality in a classroom can be a game-changer when properly used. It not only amplifies teachers’ teaching experiences but also those of the learners. Above all, it is an all-inclusive technology and can be used within a physical or virtual classroom. Without further ado, the exceptional capabilities of VR in the learning and teaching field include the following;
- Enhanced Engagement
Stressed about students’ diminishing concentration and focus during lessons? You may benefit from introducing VR where necessary. Student engagement is key to learning and if not careful, the absence of it can exacerbate disciplinary issues, affecting classroom management heavily. Classroom engagement generally refers to the degree to which the students are mentally and physically involved in a lesson.
It counts for enthusiasm, curiosity, attention, and interest in the lesson. With the fact that VR alters the learning environment, it can help increase engagement within a classroom. It is generally exciting and fascinating to use VR across all levels of learners. VR technology absorbs one into the learning material which cognitively awakens them to understand and memorize content better.
VR offers immersive learning experiences which are divergent from traditional teaching methods. In this way, students’ morale is increased, and are kept focused during the lesson. This helps students to understand complex topics easily.
- Enhanced Imagination & Creativity
For impactful learning to take place, students must be cognitively stimulated and VR is one of the best options teachers can leverage. Cognitive processes like attention, concentration, and focus are vital if impactful learning must occur. These days STEM Apps have proven to be reliable and effective in enhancing learning abilities, but VR can now join your list if you’re a teacher.
Within a classroom, VR technology can stimulate creative thinking which leads to enhanced imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Students can better understand concepts and learn how to apply them in real life.
Moreso, VR can increase emotional responses in students leading to lively and more meaningful learning processes. For example in engineering and medical fields, VR allows users to attain an intuitive approach to whatever is being learned.
The technology also offers a hands-on experience that promotes problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Teachers don’t need to spend a lot of time explaining intricate concepts to students when VR is used in a classroom.
- Virtual Field Tours
VR use in a classroom allows students to reach places they only dream of or those that they wish to go. Additionally, VR use in a classroom is a passage to the past where students learn about events that took place. For example, VR can usher students back to the events of World War 1, Versailles, and to the present like the Amazon rainforest and Space.
The technology enables students to enter a 360° digital environment where they explore the areas, understand what took place, and attain better insights.
Virtual field tours are a convenient way of reaching destinations that can be impenetrable or dangerous to reach. Above all, it eliminates the exorbitant costs of reaching such zones. All that students need are VR headsets and content to watch the material anywhere and at any time. In this way, VR technology revolutionizes the way students learn and how teachers teach.
- Better Comprehension
What causes day and night? How do the sun and the moon move and why are there seasons? Explaining these concepts to students may seem easy, but in many cases, students are left with doubts. However, with VR, learners are made to understand topics to the core. They can understand the solar system dimensionally by exploring the sun, moon, stars, and related facets like the other planets visually. Precisely, VR helps students digest information that is at times difficult to comprehend.
- Improved Learning Experiences & Outcomes
Traditional teaching methodologies are highly teacher-centered and this limits students’ capabilities. For example, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In many cases, students only rely on teachers rather than trying out new learning mediums.
VR technology is a platform for immersive learning and collaboration. It is also exciting to use which keeps students engaged and more participative. In this way, students are able to better understand concepts and retain knowledge better. This helps them perform better academically. Moreover, students are able to apply the concepts in their daily life.
Bottom Line
As the world moves at a great pace, the education field must adopt new strategies that can equip learners with relevant knowledge and skills. Today technologies like VR, interactive learning, and educational apps have proven to be reliable avenues for delivering impactful learning sessions.
Virtual reality in particular is an exceptional technology that can make a huge difference in teachers’ teaching and students’ learning processes. When well used in a classroom, VR is an incredible engagement tool that can enhance learning experiences. Moreover, VR in a classroom can improve communication, collaboration skills, and learning outcomes. However, while using VR, teachers must provide a safe environment for students.
Bio:
Jessica Robinson loves to write interesting and knowledgeable blogs regarding business management, education, and life to satiate the curiosity of her lovely readers. Currently, she is serving as a content manager at the ‘Speaking Polymath’. Every piece of content that she writes demonstrates her immense love and passion for her profession.