Impact of Immersive VR Education in Schools

The impact of immersive VR education in schools has taken the spotlight amid 21st-century technologies. For students who want to gain relevant skills, there is a need to introduce a virtual environment to approach the practical aspects of education. Memorizing topics and facts make students drained mentally and bored. Hence, the need for VR learning is essential. 

To understand the effects of Virtual Education, theoretical and quantitative research have been conducted. The results show that VR assists students with special education needs and ensures necessary skills and obtained. In addition, Virtual Education also enhances students’ self-esteem and confidence. 

In this article, we have discussed how schools and universities use virtual technology in education and the impact it will have in the future. 

What is Virtual Reality learning, and what are some examples in the education field?

Virtual Reality is a computer application that allows individuals to experience immersive 3D visualization and audio simulations. Some of the best examples of VR are-

• Immersive group learning.

• Exploring concept-based learning and subjects.

• Developing computing and technological skills. 

• Blending VR with traditional learning.

In this article, we have discussed the importance of immersive learning and how it is beneficial. But before heading, let’s talk about what immersive learning is. 

What is immersive learning?

Immersive learning is a type of learning method which provides realistic settings in which students can participate in situations and simulations. The immersive environments create a unique surrounding with artificial stimuli, such as sounds and images, that make users feel physically present in the virtual world. VR creates digital simulations in a headset, immersing pupils in the virtual world. 

VR classrooms are an immersive classroom teaching experience in which images are projected onto the internal walls of the room. It creates a unique environment within the classroom, making it more fun to learn. In addition, students are transported into a different world without leaving the classroom. Hence, without a headset, students can enjoy the experience and interact with each other. 

Functionality of VR

The VR headset are embedded with stereoscopic lenses positioned between a built-in LED screen and eyes, distorting images into a 3D format and making them look natural. The device passes two images through these lenses, each for one eye, similar to the vision length. Other technologies used in VR headsets include gyroscopes and motion sensors for tracking head, body, and hand positions.

How does VR fit into the education system?

If we describe the potential of virtual reality in education in four terms, it is complicated, better, faster, and more robust. The education system requires new technologies to stay relevant in this ever-changing world. Hence, VR is the next logical step in the evolution of the education world. 

VR Education for students with disabilities

Virtual Reality is great for students with learning and memorizing issues. Students will learn about the world in a safe and controlled environment. With an immersive classroom, teachers can conduct their classes usually. In addition, students can look around the virtual surroundings and learn from them. VR has also been found helpful for students who have autism. They can understand how to perform activities like crossing the road, fire safety, and many more. 

Statistics of VR implementation in classrooms and universities

• Around 97% of the students have shown interest in studying through VR headsets.

• VR in education is predicted to increase to $700 million by 2025. 

• Almost 80% of the teachers and professors have access to VR devices, but only 6.87% use them regularly in the educational process. 

• 7 out of 10 teachers want to use VR technology to stimulate learning experiences relevant to the material covered in class. 

• 93% of teachers said their students are excited to use educational VR headsets. 

Benefits of using VR Education in Schools

VR can change the perspective on how people learn. It also represents a significant evolutionary step forward, transforming the delivery of educational content. There are various modes of immersive virtual reality, including field trips and content creation for any subject.  

Impact of Immersive VR Education in Schools and Universities

Virtual Reality in schools encourages individuals’ space for self-motivated learning. It allows students to experience destinations from across the globe. Several studies have revealed that VR improves students’ test scores and knowledge retention. Here are some benefits of implementing VR in education. 

Gaining practical experience 

Virtual reality is used in the learning process to enhance students’ engagement with their studies. It creates a real-world experience around us. It transformed the way of grasping concepts and created a new pedagogy for learning scientific theories which were challenging to understand. This learning method is fun, exciting, and more immersive than in any form. 

Enhancement of creativity and imagination

Through VR learning, students can enhance their creativity and take it to the next level of invention to new concepts and understanding. In addition, VR makes it easy for the students to stay engaged for the whole time, making experiences memorable. 

Exploring carer options for future stability

Another benefit of virtual reality is its ability to help broaden students with career exposure. It improves people’s ability to imagine themselves in others’ shoes. Students will learn what it is like to work in the respective field, what they are studying, and what they like and dislike about the job. 

Virtual Field Trips

VR Technology can be used to develop engagement in students in subjects such as history, geography, mathematics, physics, biotechnology, etc. Students can visit any place and understand the concepts seamlessly. 

Besides that, the other benefits of virtual reality in schools include the following -

• Broadening the knowledge area. 

• More inclined to practical-based learning.

• It helps to understand complex concepts, formulas, subjects, and theories.

• VR helps in improving memory power by connecting emotions with education. 

• Development in imagination power.

• It also helps in enhancing teaching skills in teachers using VR headsets.

• Boosts students’ creativity skills ad understanding levels. 

Why is VR the future of education?

VR technology has the power to transform graduate skill sets immediately. Also, students can get to understand the concepts practically. Pupils can learn through play, gain firsthand experience, etc., which results in much stronger skill sets. 

Conclusion