Introduction to Virtual Reality Learning
Middle school students across the Valley are moving into the longer term of education through the use of virtual reality headsets to learn science in an modern way. Arizona State University and Dreamscape Learn launched Arizona’s first virtual reality mobile classroom—a 46-foot trailer—to offer middle schoolers with immersive science education. This program is transforming students into field biologists solving problems in an alien ecosystem.
The Program’s Impact
The VR program has significantly increased student engagement, resulting in higher attendance and task completion. Students turn into invested within the story and the scientific concepts needed to assist endangered species. When students placed on the headset, they’re transformed into field biologists exploring an alien ecosystem. ASU President Michael Crow touted this system’s impact, stating, "Every kid on this district may have access to probably the most advanced learning tool that humans have ever created. Just process that for a second."
How it Works
The program is housed inside a 46-foot trailer, a collaboration between Dreamscape Learn and Arizona State University. Students are given a brand new universe of learning, where they’re transformed into field biologists exploring an alien ecosystem. "Amazement, excitement and a little bit of confusion because it is a world I’m not used to, but I’m learning it, and it’s just good emotion," one student said.
Getting Students Excited About Learning
Seventh and eighth-grade science teacher Mackenzie Skarlupka said the immersive VR experience is changing how her students hook up with science. They are more invested, even worrying about an endangered alien character they try to save lots of. "They want her to survive, and so they’re attempting to work their hardest to investigate all of the graphs and data to determine how can we save her," Skarlupka said, adding that students "wish to be there, in order that they wish to learn."
Results and Benefits
The program has already resulted in higher attendance and a rise in accomplished homework and assignments, driven by students’ desire for his or her turn with the VR headset. Skarlupka became emotional discussing this system’s success. "The incontrovertible fact that we will even give this to them from all of the backgrounds that they’ve, actually get them enthusiastic about wanting to be at college and find out about science," she said. Students are locked into the 15-minute story, calibrating a brand new reality, solving problems and helping endangered species. The VR setting gives some students the sensation of one-on-one instruction.
Conclusion
The virtual reality mobile classroom is revolutionizing the best way middle school students learn science. By providing an immersive and interactive experience, students have gotten more engaged and invested of their education. The program’s success is clear within the increased attendance and completion of assignments, and it is evident that this modern approach to learning is making a positive impact on students’ lives. As this system continues to grow and expand, it is probably going that we are going to see much more exciting results and a brand new generation of scholars who’re enthusiastic about learning and desirous to succeed.
