The 21st century heralded transformations in the field of education. Instead of focusing on just gaining textbook knowledge, developing other essential skills became equally important too.
To hone communication skills, critical thinking, collaborative skills, and creativity, educators emphasized experiential learning. Field trips, laboratory work, community immersions, and other extracurricular classes provided avenues to develop such skills.
And to foster creativity, educators today leverage advanced technology such as VR apps.
5 Ways VR Apps Foster Creativity in Children
1. Remove geographical boundaries
Real-world experiences and wild adventures feed the imagination. When children are able to explore and play freely, they build up a store of ideas that they use to create amazing things. Virtual reality enables them to explore beyond the boundaries of their home or community. It takes them to places that are impossible to go to. Moreover, it allows them to explore dangerous sites such as volcanos or deep-sea waters in the comfort of their home.
2. Provide an immersive environment
Virtual reality brings kids into an immersive environment that gives them a multi-sensory experience. VR apps activate all the senses and stimulate creative thinking. In an immersive setting, the children become part of the story and they excitedly share their experiences with friends and family. Consequently, this also hones their storytelling skills.
3. Promote visualization
Educators have long used visual aids to help children understand complex concepts better. But virtual reality takes this method several notches higher and optimizes the creative learning process. VR enhances spatial visualization and helps children develop the ability to mentally manipulate ideas. Eventually, children learn to conceptualize their own designs.
4. Stimulate critical thinking
Some studies claim that gamification stimulates critical and creative thinking. In fact, researchers found a correlation between high levels of creativity and playing video games. Similarly, VR apps use game design elements to engage kids in goal-oriented activities. This prods them into thinking creatively and critically to achieve a goal.
5. Open vast opportunities
Without a doubt, virtual reality gives children the freedom to create whatever they want. For instance, they can draw, build, color, paint, and do countless other activities to unleash their artistic abilities. Through VR apps, they have vast opportunities to use their imagination and to bring their creations to life.
Virtual Reality Unleashes Children’s Imagination
Today, we’re fortunate to live in a digital world where we can utilize technology for better learning. Although it’s still an evolving technology, virtual reality will arguably be a part of our lives in the years to come. By harnessing its power, we can help enrich the learning experiences of children. Undoubtedly, virtual reality can unleash the imagination and foster the creativity of young ones.
