Introduction to Virtual Reality in Education
As a technology reporter and a mom, I’ve often wondered what the longer term of education will appear to be. Will my 2-year-old son study history by attending a virtual reality simulation of the constitutional convention? Will he dissect a virtual cadaver in biology class? The possibilities are countless, and experts say that virtual reality (VR) will turn into cheaper and widespread in the longer term.
My First Virtual Reality Experience
I recently had the chance to check out an immersive, interactive VR experience at a technology conference. The experience used an Oculus Quest headset, which costs around $300. However, my experience was not as smooth as I had hoped. I had trouble getting the goggles to suit over my glasses, and the orientation process was cumbersome. I spent several minutes attempting to determine how you can use the controls and navigate the virtual environment.
Technical Issues and Limitations
Other educators who tried out the VR experience had similar issues. Kyra Walker, an instructional technology coordinator, found that the VR experience didn’t load at first, and the orientation process was slow. She noted that this may very well be an issue in a classroom setting, where teachers need to help multiple students with the technology. Andy Mann, an instructional technology consultant, explained that the problems we experienced can have been as a result of the usage of a mobile device manager, which limited among the features of the goggles.
The Potential of Virtual Reality in Education
Despite the technical issues, many educators are excited in regards to the potential of VR in education. Mary Teren, a highschool science teacher, thinks that VR may very well be a game-changer for her students, allowing them to explore the ocean or space in a tactile and interactive way. Mann noted that fields equivalent to robotics and medicine are already using VR as a training tool, and that students might want to have experience with this technology to be prepared for the workforce.
Real-World Applications of Virtual Reality
Students in the faculties that Mann works with have used VR to tour historical sites equivalent to the Anne Frank house and Machu Picchu. They have also used VR to cook virtual meals in ancient kitchens. These experiences may help students develop a deeper understanding of history and culture, and may make learning more engaging and interactive.
The Future of Virtual Reality in Education
As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see more sophisticated and user-friendly VR experiences within the classroom. Mann predicts that VR will turn into a normal tool in education, allowing students to collaborate and learn in recent and revolutionary ways. My son may even get to play a version of Oregon Trail that’s more advanced than the one I played in middle school. Instead of just making a gravestone when a celebration member dies, he may have the opportunity to work collaboratively along with his classmates to navigate the virtual trail.
Conclusion
While there are still technical issues to be worked out, the potential of virtual reality in education is vast. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see more widespread adoption in classrooms. The way forward for education could also be more immersive, interactive, and fascinating than we ever thought possible. As a mom and a technology reporter, I’m excited to see how VR will shape the training experience for my son and for college kids around the globe.
