VR In Education: Why is VR Education Powerful?

By Connie D. Figueroa On May 2, 2023 0

As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our life, virtual reality is gaining ground in many fields. What was once reserved for the wealthy is now easily accessible to those of all ages in need of an immersive experience.

What makes virtual reality (VR) education so powerful will be covered in this article. We will also discuss several appropriate VR headsets and give some instances of how VR can be used in other areas of education and training.

Table of Contents

What is Virtual Reality?

Before we proceed, let’s define what this means. To put it simply, virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation that gives the user the impression that they are in a three-dimensional environment with which they can interact. Even if your actual surroundings don’t exist when using a virtual reality headset, the experience is so compelling that you won’t be able to tell the difference.

These fabricated worlds might be as simple as a computer-generated image with no resemblance to the actual world, or they can be as complex as a trip to Vatican City or a virtual tour of your own neighborhood using Google Earth. It’s not surprising that a weapon so potent may have such a significant impact in the classroom.

It’s common to picture something far-out and complicated when we think of virtual reality (VR). But today it’s widely accessible everywhere, and people use it regularly for recreation and enjoyment.

How Does Virtual Reality Work?

Virtual reality is clearly a useful tool, but how does it operate? The majority of VR headsets look like bulky goggles and are linked to a computer through cables; from there, the user can manipulate virtual environments using a set of controllers.

However, there are also high-tech headsets that integrate eye-tracking without the need for controllers, and even headsets that are standalone consoles with no need for a computer connection. Cardboard goggles that connect to your phone are another inexpensive option.

Movement

The capacity of VR headsets to follow the user’s gaze and instantly shift viewpoint is what makes the technology so compelling. You may wander about in the virtual world thanks to headsets that monitor your every motion. However, some people may experience nausea when using devices with this 3D-tracking functionality.

Thankfully, you can use the controllers to get around the area, too.

Vision

You might be wondering how these inexpensive eyewear can make such a huge difference. A three-dimensional perspective is used to accomplish this. The phenomenon of stereopsis, the brain’s successful attempt to construct a three-dimensional image from two-dimensional input, makes this possible.

Your right and left eyes interpret the world in somewhat different ways, and when combined, they give you a complete picture of what’s going on around you. Each eye sees a different image shown on the side of the goggles, and the distance between the two images is optimized to give the impression of depth.

Photos and phone displays are read as flat images, therefore they can’t convey the same feeling as a 3D simulation.

Sound

A virtual reality headset isn’t complete without headphones, and these days it’s not uncommon for them to be integrated into the design of the headgear itself.

Virtual reality in Education

Though the price of VR headsets has dropped, widespread adoption of the technology has yet to occur in traditional classroom settings. With the trend toward online learning, virtual reality (VR) might be a game-changing addition to any curriculum.

To put it simply, virtual reality (VR) in the classroom is a game changer for the better. Respondents to our recent survey on the how, what, and why of learning were given a variety of technology advancements and asked to choose those they hoped to see implemented in schools by 2030.

Virtual reality was the most popular option across all three countries, with 33% of Britons anticipating its use in classrooms by 2030.

Why is VR Education Powerful?

The University of Warwick conducted a study demonstrating that students retained more information when presented in a virtual reality environment. Students reported feeling more good feelings and less negative emotions after utilizing VR headgear compared to traditional methods like textbooks and films.

“Experience is the only teacher,” stated Albert Einstein. Virtual reality (VR) learning allows students to gain firsthand experience, which has been shown to significantly improve both learning and retention. Which do you prefer: hearing tales of ancient Egypt or actually seeing the pyramids with your own eyes?

Virtual reality (VR) education provides students with access to challenging locations and settings that might otherwise be out of reach.

What Headsets Are Suitable for VR Education?

As the virtual reality market expands, consumers have access to a wide variety of VR goggles. They differ in cost, ease of use, quality, and usefulness. Here are some available headset models to consider:

ClassVR Headset – These are freestanding headsets made with students in mind, so they’re both comfortable and simple to use. This headset is compatible with both AR & VR, and it comes with premade instructional materials. These headsets’ in-built components mean they can function independently of a phone or other external device.
Destek V5 VR Headset – This is one of the cheapest headsets on the market, making it a good option for students. This headset is surprisingly effective for its inexpensive cost. The Destek may be linked to a mobile device and features a set of dials for adjusting the focus. Unlike low-priced competitors, this headset prioritizes comfort by including cushioning and movable straps.
Oculus Quest 2 – This headgear is more expensive than the others on this list, but it provides a virtual reality experience that is second to none. To achieve the same level of power, other headsets typically need to be wired directly to a computer. The Oculus Quest 2 stands apart as a portable console that can be used virtually anywhere. The graphics in this headset are some of the smoothest you’ll find, and the 3D audio is worthy of a movie theater.

These headsets provide students with the easiest entry point into VR experiences, but that doesn’t mean the technology stops there. You can improve your time spent in virtual reality with the help of a wide range of high-tech add-ons and accessories. VIVE even provides trackers that may be attached to physical objects or parts of the body to further enhance the sense of immersion.

Conclusion

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation that gives the user the impression that they are in a three-dimensional environment with which they can interact. It can be as simple as a computer-generated image with no resemblance to the actual world, or as complex as a trip to Vatican City or a virtual tour of your own neighborhood using Google Earth.

Virtual reality (VR) is a game-changing addition to any curriculum due to the phenomenon of stereopsis, which allows the brain to construct a three-dimensional image from two-dimensional input. VR headsets have dropped in price, but widespread adoption of the technology has yet to occur in traditional classroom settings.

Destek V5 VR Headset is one of the cheapest headsets on the market and features cushioning and movable straps. Oculus Quest 2 is more expensive and provides a virtual reality experience that is second to none. High-tech add-ons and accessories can further enhance immersion.