How Virtual Reality Can Be Used To Benefit Students' Learning

The students of today have many digital advantages when it comes to making their learning experience better. Tools such as computers and tablets, the internet, and apps are all being implemented in schools across the globe to help students get more out of their education and open their minds to new and exciting learning possibilities.

The ed-tech industry has been growing exponentially since the dawn of this new era, and because of this growth, it is now worth over USD $250 billion. While many people may see the upswing in digital learning as a downside, it has actually been proven to be a huge advantage for students in the digital age. One such advancement being used to help students get more out of their school is virtual reality (VR). But what is VR, exactly, and how is it benefitting students? Read on to learn how virtual reality can be used to benefit students’ learning in a myriad of ways.

What is virtual reality (VR)?
Virtual reality isn’t actually a new technology. In fact, it was invented all the way back in 1968. The first virtual reality set wasn’t quite like the type available today, but it paved the way for the new technology. Essentially, virtual reality is a type of computer simulation that fully immerses the user by using lifelike graphics and artistic renderings of real-life experiences. When a person uses VR, they are thrust into an environment that, for all intents and purposes, feels as real as the real world around them. During VR experiences, the user is not just playing in the digital realm; they are a part of it.

The technology behind VR uses a type of split screen that shows the brain a different feed through each eye. This process creates a 3D version of the world that is sent to the brain, where it registers in a way that makes it feel as though it exists in reality. During a VR session, a person can move within the environment, seeing and hearing things that exist within the digital realm as if they were actually there.

The goal of VR is to make users feel as though they are not just simply participating in a game, but actually living it to the full degree. They have complete control over what happens within their digital world.

Where can we apply virtual reality in education?
Initially, virtual reality was used as an entertainment source, but after ed-tech professionals began to dive into its many other benefits, it was found that VR could be applied to basically any type of industry. The education system in particular can use virtual reality in more ways than many people may think.

One such way is by utilizing VR as a way to enhance educational field trips. For example, if a class is studying Roman history but is located on the other side of the globe, it’s not always feasible for them to make their way to the ancient ruins of Roman civilization. Using VR, however, they can do this, because the setting can be recreated digitally. To take it a step further, a digital imagining of actual ancient Rome can be created, giving students the ability to experience what it was like all those years ago (in a way that we couldn’t dream of outside of time travel!).

Hands-on educational techniques, such as learning how to excavate fossils or work on a car, can be learned through virtual reality as well. Other ways that VR can be applied to education include giving those who may not have physical access to in-person learning the chance the be “in class”; improving experience-based learning; and creating interactive classrooms that foster greater student engagement.

What makes VR in education beneficial?
The benefits of virtual reality in education are vast. One simple benefit is the elimination of distractions. When a student is fully immersed in their lesson while wearing a VR headset, they won’t be distracted by any other sounds, sights, or thoughts.

Another way VR benefits students is by fostering their creativity and drive to learn. Learning about history in the traditional classroom setting may spark interest from some students, but others may not enjoy lessons taught solely through textbooks. Those same students, immersed in the world they are learning about, will be able to gain new knowledge on the subject because of their newfound interest in and engagement with the topic.

Some complex topics that may not be as simple to understand while reading or writing can also be grasped better through VR – after all, using more than just one of the senses in a lesson is much more effective at encouraging a deeper understanding of course material.

What are the science-backed ways VR benefits learning?
While there are many benefits associated with the use of VR for learning, some have actually been backed by scientific research. For example, let’s look at medical education, where VR has paved the way for new kind of clinical training. Research has found that participating in simulations as part of medical training can actually accelerate how quickly students pick up new concepts and shorten the timeframe of training for the medical field.

The use of VR in education is being adopted more and more by educational institutions, and for good reason. The use of this simulation style of learning has many benefits for students, both those at school and those choosing to continue their education.

 

Featured image by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash