In the past, schools changed their syllabus. The books were updated with the latest information, keeping up with the new findings. But even during that phase, the traditional teaching method remained the same. The progress in that regard has been slow and gradual, with only a few teachers taking the risk of implementing newer and better approaches. Computers sped up the process a bit but not by much. People were still relying on the traditional teaching methods.
There is nothing wrong with the traditional methods, but they do not work for everyone, which creates the need for innovative methodologies. These methods ensure that every student is provided with equal opportunities to grow. They will grow into their careers. And they will grow as people. Virtual Reality is game-changing technology, the next step for a better future. It not only creates opportunities for students, but also budding tech entrepreneurs. They have the chance to get the best out of VR by making applications and games that will enrich the student’s minds.
How Virtual Reality changing the education
1. Gaining practical experience alongside theory
Theoretical knowledge gained through reading and writing can be implemented quite well, but the practical approach building experiences is a better teacher.
Furthermore, interactive VR tech ensures a great memory recall in students. Even now, Learning through VR is fascinating. Exposure to VR study material will increase student enthusiasm for future lessons.
VR realistic travel experience is an ideal example of how VR is already changing the world. Reading about places and writing about them isn’t the same as visiting the locations. VR will cut the costs of an expensive trip and become a good asset for both schools and students in the long run. Even though we have barely scratched the surface of VR, students can today visit museums virtually. Equipped with VR gear, It is now possible to view certain parts of The British Museum and The Louvre via a virtual tour.
2. Encouraging Creative thinking by sparking their Imaginations
Students will be intellectually challenged on their VR tours to exceptional locations. Such excursions light the spark of inspiration within the young minds. Some may fall in love with a place or artefacts, eager to learn more about them. This might be a prelude to a career in geology, archaeology, or history.
An example of a great VR education tool is a VR career expedition. A VR career expedition will also help students identify their careers early in life. A VR career expedition will teach them to perceive a normal day on the job. It will allow them to participate in an exercise beneficial to growth. It will also get them talking.
3. Boosting Student Interactions
Once students start talking and sharing their thoughts on their last lessons, they become more eager to explore their future lessons. With their thirst for knowledge, each student will have the power to pave their career path. Not only will they be eager to learn, but they will also be joyous about sharing their thoughts and discussing their experiences with their peers.
History has shown us that each student has a different learning curve, and not all are equipped to learn through the traditional teaching methods. They might either not understand due to learning disabilities such as Dyslexia or ADHD. Child psychologists can provide essential data in building VR tools that create different teaching scenarios for children with learning disabilities. VR is a far-reaching technology with plenty of pros.
4. Allowing Every Student to Participate
Like we have already mentioned, VR tech is bound to cut long term costs. Purchasing VR tech for the school might be a bit expensive right now, but with the rate at which VR is growing, we’ll soon have better and more affordable options such as Google Cardboard.
Students can also be taught to make their own Google cardboard VR headset in school, which will make them feel a better sense of accomplishment. We have already entered the digital age with online classes. The digital revolution will gradually take over. Once the classes are fully equipped with the VR tools, every student will have the same experience.
For example, School trips are an expensive affair. Not all parents can afford them. So, students have to miss out on experiences that make them feel left out. When they miss such trips, they can’t effectively communicate or share their opinions.
VR classrooms will create an inclusive environment for all students.
Real-Life Applications Of Virtual Reality for Education
We have already discussed Virtual field trips, a live application of VR in education. Now, we will discuss a few other ways VR is used in education.
Learning New Languages:
Learning languages isn’t simple. Sometimes, a persona also has to master the accent to make it understandable. Ideally, visiting the country or conversing with a native speaker should help students polish their skills. But that is not an option for everyone. VR Language learning applications can bridge that gap.
Learning Practical Skills:
It is an application of VR that will tackle unemployment for the future generation. Numerous VR and AR apps allow students to learn practical skills such as necessary car maintenance, effective communication, playing musical instruments, and sewing.
- X Drum – 3D & AR: Budding musicians can learn the basics of playing the drums in AR.
- Nanome: Molecular design tool that will teach students chemistry lessons.
- Becoming Homeless: An experience that allows young adults to step into the toes of the homeless and understand their life choices. It also nurtures empathy.
For more examples of VR education apps, refer to this educational guide.
Learning through VR Games:
Providing students with the opportunity to have fun while they learn is a remarkable idea. The modern game-based education approach is motivating in part because of the fun.
Even without the VR, teachers who use games and stories during their lectures hold their students’ attention. For example, there was a time when speed-typing was considered an asset. During this time, when students were just instructed to type a paragraph from a page, they would likely do it. But they wouldn’t be anticipating it the next day.
On the other hand, if you let them play some typing games, they will be eager to accept the help. Same or even more can be accomplished with VR games.
Examples:
- Ocean Rift: Students can learn about marine life through this VR aquatic safari adventure.
- Titans of Space PLUS: A VR game takes students on quests across space, helping them understand and learn about our solar system and beyond.
Continue reading: 5 Ways Augmented Reality Will Change Your Life For The Better.