Virtual reality and its cousin augmented reality, have taken the world by storm. VR is typically only thought of in a game sense, but it has made strides in accessibility and education. Students who have access to a virtual classroom could benefit from new, cutting-edge styles of learning.
The Current Classroom VR Technology
Most kids are proficient in technology. Most have been connected to the internet from a young age. It only makes sense that educators and institutions would try to speak their language by implementing technology use in the classroom.
Lenovo’s VR Classroom 2 is a virtual reality program with its own headset and set of programs. This device can help students of all ages learn the course material they need to know in engaging, innovative ways. Since its release last year, Lenovo’s VR Classroom has made a splash and become more widespread.
It no longer relies on Google’s updates and operates on its own platform, called ThinkReality. The VR Classroom has everything teachers need to instruct their students, from introducing them to career paths to allowing different learning experiences for STEM courses.
This software works to gamify career planning and get students interested in the subjects they will pursue beyond school. This technology isn’t in every school, but it likely will be once districts can implement it.
What’s Standing in the Way of Widespread VR?
One of the most significant issues surrounding virtual reality in the classroom is that many people still see VR as a games-only platform. They may think students won’t be learning much and rather be distracted by the graphics or gameplay. Opening people’s minds is the key to them giving VR in the classroom a chance.
Even for those who know of the benefits virtual classrooms can provide, something else stands in the way: budget. This challenge is much harder to remedy than minds closed to virtual reality, since managing a budget with no room for extras can be difficult. And in the current economic climate, schools are receiving far less funding with which to prioritize technological innovations.
The best way to deal with budget issues is to analyze the problems and make goals for the future. Districts that set priorities will know what to spend money on. Schools only need a set of VR headsets that students can share from classroom to classroom — they don’t need to budget for every child.
Virtual Reality’s Place in the Classroom
Many educators love the idea of using VR in the classroom — it keeps students engaged and can help bridge gaps where there are already issues. Students who may not speak English as a first language might find it difficult to communicate with their teachers. A virtual reality classroom can remove that issue by using translation software.
VR and AR can also aid students with disabilities. They might not be capable of participating in a lesson in a traditional classroom setting, but virtual reality can make up for it. Simply pressing buttons can help a student move around or pick things up in the virtual classroom. These features allow them to get the same experience as others.
Furthermore, it can help students who learn in different ways. Talking about something isn’t the same as seeing it up close. Students who are more hands-on would benefit from a biology class where they can see what they’re learning right in front of them. Exploring the course material at their own pace can allow any child to understand their subjects better.
Biology and other sciences would be excellent classes to learn virtually. By seeing an organism or a chemical reaction up close, a student can gain experience they likely wouldn’t have had in a traditional classroom setting. Likewise, a history class may be greatly improved by allowing students to venture back in time through VR.
Finding a Future in VR
If virtual reality is implemented to a widespread degree, schools across the nation could see improved grades and a better quality of learning. Educators can rest assured that students have better accommodations and a more engaging learning environment while exposing them to the same material as a regular classroom — just from another perspective.
Guest PostAbout the Guest Author(s)
April Miller
April Miller is a senior writer at ReHack Magazine with a love of all things VR and tech. At home you can find her jamming to Beat Saber on her HTC Vive.
