Benefits of virtual reality in the classroom
This is linked to our virtual reality in the classroom article which, if you are a teacher, is well worth reading. It provides background information about the adoption of VR into the classroom and how and where it is best used.
This article discusses the benefits of using this technology in a learning environment. But what might need to be taken into account is that virtual reality may be suited to some subjects more than others. Plus there are likely to be some students who engage more readily with virtual reality and other online learning tools than others.
So what are the benefits of VR in the classroom? These include:
- Active rather than passive experience
- Immersive experience means no distractions
- Immediate engagement: useful in today’s world of limited attention spans.
- Exploration and hands on approach aids with learning and retention.
- Helps with understanding complex subjects/theories/concepts
- Suited to all types of learning styles, e.g. visual
These are a few of the many benefits of using virtual reality as a teaching aid.
Virtual reality and the ‘digital generation’
x
The other factor is the ‘digital generation’. Today’s students are much more clued up about technology than their parents and use it on a constant basis. Everything from Facebook and Twitter through to computer games, mobile phone apps, the iPad etc forms a large part of a teenager’s lifestyle and teachers are aware of this use and reliance upon technology.
So, it makes sense to use this as part of learning. One approach is blended learning in which several learning approaches are combined together. This means a mix of computer aided learning such as virtual reality systems with traditional forms of learning. This hybrid approach is designed to meet the needs of all students, irrespective of their learning style.
