Written By: Mariem Kamal
Edited By: Zoha Rizwan
Since the beginning of time, technology has been involved in education. From chalkboard to whiteboards. From computers to iPads. Technology has always been in the classroom, but now it has taken an exciting turn. Enter: virtual reality!
Everyone has heard of virtual reality, the ability to exist in a simulated, augmented environment. Normally, VR is associated with video games. Being able to do almost anything that you would not be able to do in the real world seems like the most fun form of entertainment. However, nowadays, teachers and schools are implementing this fun activity into something that benefits students academically, and there are many reasons as to why.
Gen Z is the first generation to completely not remember a time without the internet. They have been surrounded by technology their whole lives. Why should schools not use this to their advantage? Students today have no problem figuring out technology, only making virtual reality even more accessible.
Listening to a lecture. Taking notes. Watching a video. Although these are all effective ways to learn, they can get repetitive. Most of these methods do not involve hands-on learning. This is where virtual reality can really help. According to psychology, physically doing something or being somewhere incites more emotion out of a person. Consequently, the more emotion one associates with something, the more likely they are to remember it. It is not scientifically proven, but many signs indicate that because of this, virtual reality could definitely help with retention and learning. VR allows students to do things for themselves instead of watching someone else. In science classes, virtual reality could take the place of dangerous experiments and activities. Doing instead of watching promotes creativity as well. With VR, students can trek through new environments and find their own way around. There are VR platforms where people can paint, draw, and even build exciting new projects.
Virtual reality also expands the horizons of students in the most literal sense. Using virtual reality headgear, students can now go on field trips anywhere in the world. Take Melinda Lohan for example. Her high school class in Maryland goes on field trips all the time to places like Ellis and Angel Island and the Holocaust Museum. Of course, they do not have the funds to actually visit these places, but downloading an app on your phone has proved to be the next best thing. Students in Lohan’s class get to experience first hand places where history was made, and apply what they learn and see to their curriculum. It can get tiring and draining constantly reading from a textbook about places you have no connection to, so it is safe to say that virtual field trips are the next big thing.
There are several academic benefits to virtual reality. However, there are also some non academic perks as well. Some virtual reality programs offer sensory based experiences and environments. These can help reduce anxiety during a stressful school day. Some schools also use VR to teach life skills and promote safety within high schools. There are so many different ways that virtual reality can be used in schools and to promote education. The possibilities are endless.
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