Today, the educational sphere faces challenges that it did not know before. Mobile apps, online classes, and virtual reality have become part of everyday life and fundamentally changed learning. With the development of the Internet, we are getting more and more information every day. Some media even say that modern man can only stay attentive for 8 seconds - even less than a goldfish. Of course, it's not that bad. Measuring average attentiveness is almost impossible because it depends on many subjective factors. But some numbers can still demonstrate how our behavior has changed under the influence of technology.
A 2019 study found that 95 percent of students in the U.S. take their phones with them to class, and 92 percent use them to communicate with friends while studying. It's safe to assume that these numbers will only increase worldwide in 2022. Along with them comes growing tension in the debate between supporters of technology and those who advocate banning the use of phones for learning. While both sides have their arguments, one thing is sure: Smartphones and other technology have become part of our lives, so the logical step for the educational system would be to figure out how to take advantage of them.
In addition to mobile apps, EdTech platforms, and remote control devices, there are two technologies worth focusing on when talking about learning. These are virtual reality and augmented reality. It is these technologies that will shape the latest education system.
Virtual reality can help teachers and students
- better absorb complex information and learn new skills;
- process a lot of information and present it interactively;
- Demonstrate and apply theory while still in class;
- understand how to use this knowledge in practice;
- encourage students to engage in the learning process.
Virtual reality is not only popular with educators; it is also attracting significant investment. In a 2018 Perkins Coie study, the field of education ranked second in such an indicator. Foundations and communities alike support a virtual reality in education.
Let's look at strategies for implementing VR in education, see why they're worth the investment, and reflect on these technologies' benefits for education.
Virtual reality in the classroom: benefits for everyone
Virtual reality doesn't change the fact that teaching is the prerogative of teachers. Technology can only supplement learning, far from replacing the teacher completely. But they provide many tools to demonstrate 3D presentations, encourage students to study remotely, use interactive whiteboards, organize practical lessons, and so on.
A fun learning experience.
With virtual reality, students can visit any place they want without leaving the classroom or home. It is about tourist visits to Paris or London and the ocean's depths, outer space, and even the construction of atoms. Remember the episode "Anatomy Park" in which Rick shrinks Morty and sends him to travel inside his body? Now you can relive that experience thanks to Anatomy VR 2.0 technology, which, of course, won't shrink any of the students but will demonstrate how our organs look and function. The university offers no less fascinating technology, which has developed a virtual tour of the human brain.
Virtual reality offers many opportunities for educational institutions and EdTech companies. It helps restart the learning process and regain student interest. But most importantly, its benefits can be felt by everyone, from schoolchildren to doctors.