Virtual Reality

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) refers to an interactive computer simulation that uses the individual's senses to cause the participant to feel immersed or present in the simulated environment (McGovern, 2020). VR implementation in the education context is still sparse but is beginning to be immersed due to its capabilities to add an engaging element to a classroom learning experience.

More specifically is immersive virtual reality which is typically related to the head mounted display (HMD) which allows the user to see the display wherever their eyesight moves (Southgate, 2018). Students' expectations can be subverted due to gaining new insight and perspectives into the world around them. This allows the user to be immersed in a virtual reality environment which can be extremely useful as students can gain insight to different environments and contexts.

During class, we got to use and experience the VR glass called FOV:120. I watched an episode on atoms and found it to be extremely interesting due to the immersive features.

360 Clouds over sidra on youtube is a video that allows students to see a different context and immerse themselves into what it's like to be a refugee. This video allows them to look around their environment, whilst maybe even being surprised about some of their activities in their day to day life. Implementing VR like this, allows students to engage in information by experiencing an example first hand.

Following a 360 video like this, teachers could use this as a learning opportunity to ask students to collaborate and compare ideas regarding what they noticed in the video.

Once students have become familiar with immersive VR, they can create their own VR space on cospace. This platform allows students to digitally create their own 3D creation and coding. This tool is rather advanced and will require explicit teaching especially when showing kids how to add coding to their creations. Overall, this tool would be a great way for students to express their own 3D demonstration of the world around them.

References:

McGovern, Moreira, G., & Luna-Nevarez, C. (2020). An application of virtual reality in education: Can this technology enhance the quality of students’ learning experience? Journal of Education for Business, 95(7), 490–496. https://doi.org/10.1080/08832323.2019.1703096

Southgate. (2018). Immersive virtual reality, children and school education: A literature review for teachers. DICE Report Series Number 6. DICE Research. https://ericasouthgateonline.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/southgate_2018_immersive_vr_literature_review_for_teachers.pdf