Virtual reality (VR) has the ability, as we understand it, to improve and even fundamentally change education.

Particularly, it entertains students more than any other feasible method in their learning. In the classroom, it removes both visual and auditory disruptions and has the potential to connect students closely with the topic they are studying in a way that has never been possible before.

It is no secret that schools are trying to build environments rich in technology, but these must be systematic, with an emphasis on learning and curriculum. Simply equipping schools with computers and laptops may not be enough, but the introduction of VR technology can have an extraordinary impact.

Usually, people can be reluctant to see the advantages of Virtual Reality in education. Many individuals are used to the old ways and, when it comes to anything modern and high-tech, are doubtful. What we hope is that our article will include some persuasive examples of providing educational content through the power of VR in fresh, innovative ways.

Some ways to use VR in education

• The safety of medical studies is already dramatically improved by VR apps. Human anatomy is a challenging subject, and before conducting an actual surgery, students will have the opportunity to practice surgery once on a corpse in best-case scenarios. With VR, surgical preparation has been enhanced by providing several forms of medical procedures with practical simulations. Doctors and students will also be able to build models and test hypotheses and situations that can not be achieved using dead bodies in the conventional manner.
• Another way to use VR is for field trips to places that are hard or impossible to visit in the real world, due to logistical and safety issues. For example, students will be able to easily visit the known and the fearful Auschwitz concentration camp or explore hurricanes and tropical cyclones from the ease and relative safety of the classroom. VR technology also enables users to create their own virtual field trips.
• Virtual Reality education apps have the ability to influence many careers. Students can use VR simulations for a deeper understanding of what professions are attractive and interesting to them.
• With VR technology, art, design or architecture can be easily understood, because students will be able to reconstruct sites or design their buildings. So rather than going to museums or looking at photographs of famous sculptures, students can analyze every masterpiece in great detail, just by using VR technology.
• Also, VR may be used to teach students with special needs and to support them. VR apps can promote additional conditions where, in a secure atmosphere, students can learn everyday routine skills.

The benefits of VR in education

Easy access

Thanks to VR, education is not a burden anymore.

There are individuals, often children, who face challenges in accessing education for different reasons, from illness to distance. VR removes certain boundaries; It is also recognized that some educators have used VR to teach kids with disabilities how to cross the street and be adequately equipped for the outside-of-the-classroom environment.

In addition, when it comes to promoting distance learning, it turns out that VR is more than necessary. This way, instead of sitting in front of a computer or talking through video, the student gets a true and complete experience of being in a classroom.

Gamification

Implementing gamification is what will make students excited to learn. Offering a component of competition and gaming makes education more appealing.

In addition, VR allows the teachers to gamify even the easiest lessons, such as ‘open the tab’ or ‘close the door’ to a multiplayer experience that is more complex. Moreover, gamification can be easily integrated logically into the focus of the lesson.

Engagement

Most of the time, students are connected to their smartphones or other devices, making it almost impossible to attract their attention to something that does not contain moving images or content that is easy-on-the-eye.

However, VR technology can compete with these expectations. Immediate VR engagement means no disturbances. The scenery is so vibrant, appealing, and stimulates participation so that every student gets involved 100%.

Enables students to gain experience in different areas

A theory is nothing without experience!

Virtual Reality helps many students to gain experience when it comes to complex matters, such as medicine or engineering, that is normally harder to achieve in traditional ways. VR encourages students to experience things at school that they don’t have access to.

VR can also simulate seemingly impossible and dangerous incidents and situations that can not be encountered in the real world, such as car accidents, first aid, car mechanics, and much more in a fully safe environment.

Basically, as soon as they walk into the classroom, VR will help build a greater number of highly qualified professionals in various fields.

Better social skills

What makes us able to solve challenges and get to know our world is the way we connect with each other.

Social skills should also be taught, and there is no better social skills learning tool than VR. Virtual Reality allows any experience to be developed.

Students may also learn how to adapt to various social circumstances and environments, like encountering digital avatars from all cultures across the globe or being placed in a scenario that tackles issues such as racism or bullying. In a diverse community, kids can learn how to appreciate diversity and how to communicate. VR can be a great way to teach children how to feel empathy and see the world through another person’s eyes.

Creative boost

Virtual reality is not only effective for consumption, but also for creation and progress. It teleports students to a parallel reality where they can again discover the world.

Overall, using VR in education can only lead to creating a more efficient and innovative technological strategy, because only when we are intensively using something we can truly test it and optimize it. Therefore, VR can only support teachers’ effort in creating successful and better-educated students.