When I was a kid, my teacher showed me a picture of a Dinosaur. I estimated its size in the first go by comparing it to my pet (Tomy- a puppy). I thought it was slightly bigger than him. After my teacher told me about the height of the Dinosaur, I was shocked. I accepted what the teacher said but could not feel it. I had never seen such a big animal and most probably you too.
But you will be astonished to know that my younger brother recently shook hands with Dinosaur and he walks in the jungle with him more often. He can explain everything about it, like how much bigger it was, what he used to eat, how he looked etc.
Oh no. You are thinking that he is doing all this with a real dinosaur. No no. They have gone too early. But to let my brother meet Dinosaur, technology experts have created virtual reality. Of course, it's not real, but it feels real. Undoubtedly, virtual reality will play a significant role in education and learning.
According to Atlassian's research, People retain 80 percent of what they see, compared to 20 percent of what they read and only 10 percent of what they hear.
The above lines tell everything. It's not about seeing only; it's about seeing, feeling, and hearing, all simultaneously.
Before exploring further, let's understand Virtual Reality from scratch.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated 3D-like environment featuring realistic-looking images and objects that immerses the viewer in their surroundings. We can enter this artificial universe with the help of virtual reality headsets. Several technologists are working on this technology to enhance the quality and reduce the headsets' size. Shortly you will be able to enter in VR world with your eyeglasses only.
Virtual reality (VR) technology enables us to experience video games as if we were actually in them. The deeper people can immerse themselves in a VR experience and shut out their physical surroundings, the more they can block their disbelief and consider it as real, even if it is spectacular in nature.
Virtual Reality: A New Invention? Check your fact
I thought that this technology has just surfaced, and our generations are the first to use it. Even though this may appear highly futuristic, its beginnings are not as recent as we might believe. Many people believe that one of the first Virtual Reality gadgets was the Sensorama, a machine with a built-in seat that played 3D movies, emitted smells, and generated vibrations to create the most realistic experience possible. The invention dates back to the middle of the 1950s. In the years that followed, technological and software advancements brought an evolution in the device and interface design. A lot has been improved to date and will be enhanced more.
How Does Virtual Reality Function?
We all know that virtual reality is a beautiful tool. Let's take a close look at how it operates.
Earlier, VR used to come with heavy headsets that were required to connect to a computer to operate. But, with the advancement of technology, it now has a slick design, and operating systems are already installed. It can now work independently. A few features which work have been mentioned below.
- Movement
The capacity of VR headsets to follow the user's eye movement and instantly shift viewpoint is what makes the technology so compelling. Walking around in the virtual world is possible because of headsets' ability to monitor your every step.
- Vision
Because of a phenomenon called stereopsis, we are able to build a coherent mental image of a three-dimensional object by combining the input from both eyes. Your right and left eyes interpret the world in somewhat different ways, giving you a complete picture of what's happening around you.
- Sound
Headphones, which are typically integrated into VR headsets, are essential for a truly immersive experience. The sound helps to put faith in visuals.
Virtual Reality And Education
A strong society cannot exist without a robust educational system. For as long as there have been civilizations, sharing knowledge has been a top priority. Since educators are always looking for better ways to transfer their learning to their students, many have started using VR.
The use of virtual reality (VR) in education is rapidly expanding. It's one of the hottest and most trending topics now.
The incredible thing is, that with virtual reality (VR), students can go to far-flung locations without leaving their classrooms. Imagine a scenario where schools can provide pupils access to virtual tours of the world's seven wonders without ever having them leave their seats.
Although virtual reality has the potential to transform education completely, it is not yet commonly used in traditional school settings. The reason for this is most likely owing to the high cost of the necessary headsets. Virtual reality might be a game-changing supplement to any lesson plan, especially with the trend toward more online educational environments. Virtual reality (VR) education makes learning more entertaining, less dangerous, and more engaging than it has ever been.
Future of Virtual Reality in Education
Let's look at some top virtual reality trends that will enhance the future of education.
1. Virtual Tools To Understand The Real World
Real-world learning is now possible with the various virtual tools that are available today. With the help of Virtual Reality, collaboration in study across the globe will be easier. It means that students from all over the world can collaborate through VR to find solutions to problems that exist in the real world. A significant number of educational institutions in various nations are teaming up to develop more welcoming communities.
According to the Cone of Experience, people are more likely to recall something they experienced as opposed to something they read, or heard; therefore, virtual reality can aid in enhancing retention because people are more likely to remember what they experienced.
2. An Enhanced Virtual Learning Environment
When one searches for the future what virtual reality holds in the field of education. It's immense. The usage of an avatar has made this accomplishment significantly more feasible.
The monotony of online classes can be broken up with the help of social VR applications. VR will allow distant students to experience a sense of connection. Coursework that will be completed online might utilize applications of this kind to broaden the scope of the curriculum and increase student involvement. It demonstrates how far we will go in terms of virtual reality.
3. Virtual Outdoor Learning Trips
One of the most significant contributions that virtual reality will make is that it will be possible for classrooms to participate in virtual field trips. The most excellent aspect of virtual field trips is that once they have been created, they can be disseminated to a significant number of people very quickly.
Students will be able to understand subjects such as geography, environmental studies etc, in a better manner by experiencing them.
4. Teaching Arts Subject Will be Easier
Globalization is a trend that can be seen in museums all across the world nowadays. Art lovers now have the opportunity to explore virtual galleries and virtually inspect paintings thanks to this development in the field of virtual reality. Students experience visiting a museum will be recreated in virtual reality, allowing anyone to view paintings in the same manner as they would at a physical establishment.
5. Personal Connection While Teaching
Finally, virtual reality will create connections between teachers and students in ways that were previously unimaginable. VR will provide the ability to hold virtual classes and bring students together with instructors. Virtual whiteboard, 3d elements, personal doubt panel, mass engagement, and collaboration, will be possible with the help of virtual reality.
Apart from these five, there are many virtual reality trends that will boost in the near future in the field of education. So let's wait for the right time when all schools in our surroundings will be well equipped with VR tools to engage students ideally in their studies.
Conclusion
I hope this post has provided you with a solid understanding of the potential of virtual reality technologies in education. In light of current trends, it's safe to predict that VR will soon play a larger role in the school environment. Our students would welcome more of this type of activity. There are countless opportunities to discover new things and learn new experiences in a virtual environment.