How Virtual Reality is Reshaping Classroom Learning

Using VR in Classroom Settings

From working and socializing to learning, many daily activities that once required in-person interactions can now be accomplished virtually [1]. This shift has made virtual reality particularly attractive to educators due to its immersive and interactive nature [1]. VR education transforms traditional digital learning by creating more interactive environments that keep students motivated, making learning experiences more memorable and impactful [2]. Virtual reality has the potential to significantly improve education by offering students deeply immersive and memorable experiences, such as exploring historical events or scientific concepts that would otherwise be inaccessible—all within the classroom setting [3]. One of the most popular ways of utilizing VR in education is via virtual reality classrooms, or immersive classrooms [3]. Unlike VR headsets, which some students may find uncomfortable or challenging to use, immersive classrooms enable all students to participate at once, encouraging group interaction and shared learning experiences [3].

VR headsets have also become a common and practical way to bring virtual reality into the classroom, with many schools adopting them due to their relatively low cost, minimal equipment needs, and small space requirements [3]. In a classroom of about 30 students, schools generally need around 15 VR headsets, which are often standalone devices that operate independently without needing to connect to external equipment like computers [3]. Before integrating VR into their teaching, educators receive training to ensure they can effectively use the headsets during lessons [3]. While they may be somewhat more challenging to use compared to immersive classrooms, the level of immersion they provide makes them a valuable educational tool [3]. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using VR in the classroom, along with some potential applications of VR in education.

Key Applications of VR in Education

Virtual reality (VR) is transforming the way students learn, particularly in subjects like physics and engineering. In a physics class, VR can be used to simulate gravitational effects, allowing students to experience walking on the Moon or another celestial body [4]. It also enables virtual field trips to wind farms or particle accelerators, offering insights into complex systems that are otherwise inaccessible [4]. Dangerous or difficult experiments can be conducted safely in a virtual environment [4]. For engineering students, VR provides a cost-effective way to design and prototype models, identify design flaws early, and visualize the assembly process in 3D [4]. It also allows for simulations of real-world scenarios, such as testing the structural integrity of a bridge under extreme loads—without any real-world risk [4].

History and geography are also commonly seen as subjects that can greatly benefit from the introduction of virtual reality in education [4]. By using VR headsets, students can travel back in time to ancient Rome or visit historical landmarks from the comfort of their classroom [4]. It can also be used to simulate various geographic regions, allowing students to experience what life is like in diverse climates and continents. VR is also proving to be a powerful tool in language learning [4]. Students can use VR to learn a new language by immersing themselves in virtual environments that simulate real-life cultural experiences [4]. Immersion is crucial for understanding a different culture, and virtually visiting a country and interacting with native speakers helps achieve this [4]. Instead of only studying through videos or texts, students can practice everyday situations, like ordering a coffee or a meal at a restaurant, which builds their confidence in using the language [4]. This method allows learners to improve their skills in a safe space without the high costs of traveling abroad [4].

Benefits of Utilizing VR in Classroom Settings

Using virtual reality in the classroom offers a range of benefits that can greatly enhance the learning experience. First, it promotes active learning by encouraging students to engage directly with lessons and solve problems within immersive virtual environments [5]. This hands-on approach leads to deeper understanding and learning by doing. Second, VR significantly enhances student engagement by transforming lessons into interactive, game-like experiences that make learning both fun and exciting [5]. Furthermore, VR contributes to better retention of information because students feel like they’ve truly experienced the content, and they are more likely to remember what they learned [5].

Virtual reality can make it easier for students to understand difficult concepts by bringing abstract ideas to life in a visual, immersive way [5]. Students can visualize and interact with concepts that would be hard to grasp through textbooks alone [5]. VR also allows for virtual field trips, giving students the chance to explore historical landmarks, natural wonders, or even space without ever leaving the classroom [5]. Finally, VR encourages collaboration, allowing students to work together virtually, even from different locations.

Conclusion

Virtual reality is reshaping the educational landscape by providing more immersive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences. From enabling students to simulate scientific experiments in a safe virtual lab to exploring ancient civilizations in history, VR opens up educational opportunities that were once unimaginable. This technology will help students grasp complex concepts, retain information more effectively, and stay actively engaged in their learning.

Notes and References

1. Han, E., & Bailenson, J. N. (2024). Lessons for/in Virtual Classrooms: Designing a Model for Classrooms Inside Virtual Reality - Communication Education, 73(2), 234–243. https://doi.org/10.1080/03634523.2024.2312879
2. Alali, R., & Wardat, Y. (2024). The Role of Virtual Reality (VR) as a Learning Tool in the Classroom - International Journal of Religion, 5(10), 2138–2151. https://doi.org/10.61707/e2xc5452
3. VR for Education. (n.d.) - Immersion VR. https://immersionvr.co.uk/about-360vr/vr-for-education/
4. i3-Technologies. (2023, February 28). VR in the Classroom: Benefits and Drawbacks - I3-Technologies. https://www.i3-technologies.com/en/blog/stories/education/vr-in-the-classroom-benefits-and-drawbacks/
5. How Virtual Reality Makes IB More Engaging. (n.d.) - Glendale International School. https://glendaleschool.org/in/blog/how-virtual-reality-makes-ib-curriculum-more-engaging/