If there is one thing that has done a remarkable job in altering the way we live, it’s science! Whether it’s in the medical industry, workplace, or service sector, science and technology are playing a key role in revolutionizing every aspect of every discipline. From workplace automation, and digital transformation, to service accessibility i.e eCommerce there is a lot to fathom about.
Technology is becoming a cornerstone to formidable breakthroughs in different fields. However, although science and technology are influencing every area of life, quite often, their impact is more profound in other industries than the education field. Many times the education arena is seen as conservative. However, the new era is proving otherwise.
Emerging technologies like VR, AR, and AI are transforming education and learning points to the core. ReportLinker indicates that the global virtual reality market in education is expected to be worth $8.66 billion in 2022 at a CAGR of 36%. To substantiate, the market is expected to reach $32.94 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 39.7% with the US, UK, China, and Australia among others as the major players.
Virtual reality is currently used in different schools and educational institutions as it’s suitable for all types of learners. It is also expected to continue evading different schools and training centers globally.
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways VR is impacting learning worldwide.
5 Incredible Ways Through Which VR Is Impacting Learning
- Offers Immersive Learning Experiences
Virtual reality is an innovative technology with the capability of altering the learning environment. Generally, VR ushers users or learners into a computer-generated environment where they are immersed in the content and are able to interact with the objects in the new realm.
The technology completely blocks the user from physical surroundings using special equipment such as special glasses and head-mounted or hand-held controllers.
In the virtual world, learners can feel, hear, and navigate places that are impossible to reach in real time or penetrate in the real sense. This transforms the learning experience and renders it more meaningful and impactful.
VR is an appealing technology and its application can offer meaningful learning experiences to all learners across disciplines. Introducing it to a virtual classroom can render the class more innovative and conducive.
- Enhances Engagement
Student engagement is a crucial aspect of any classroom. Generally, for the teachers and learners to attain smart goals, there must be a high level of student engagement. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to foster and maintain engagement with traditional teaching methods.
Dictating and explaining concepts to students renders them mere passive learners. Matters become worse when it comes to intricate concepts that are hard to explain and digest. With that, tapping into the power of technology can help motivate and improve student engagement.
Currently, VR can be leveraged to cultivate lasting engagement and can easily meet the criteria of the Pareto Principle where 20% of input influences 80% of the output. Technologies like VR and AI render learning smarter and more effective. Teachers don’t need to spend a lot of time explaining concepts to students. Rather, they can watch VR content to dimensionally understand the material.
- Cultivates New Learning Possibilities
Globally, it is clearly known how artificial intelligence is impacting education, however, when coupled with VR, the technology presents extended learning possibilities. Apart from enhancing material accessibility, both technologies provide smart learning points.
Precisely, VR content can be crafted depending on the instructor’s or institute’s preferences. Also, whether it’s geography, biology, or traveling to space, today one can easily avail any type of content using VR. Currently, VR content acts as an add-on or more so, a sophisticated type of learning material that offers higher learning outcomes.
In addition to providing new learning possibilities, VR content can be leveraged anywhere and at anytime. The fundamental requirements remain the special glasses, VR software, or app. With that, learning isn’t limited to a physical location, time, or traditional learning styles.
- Boosts Knowledge Retention
Students have different learning paces and in the same way, all may not memorize content the same. Precisely, some students remember content in case learning is more interactive and engaging. On the other hand, some students may memorize content better with the help of visuals and videos.
Currently, VR is proving to be a memory booster as it offers immersive learning experiences. Using VR in a classroom cultivates collaboration and interaction avenues. Using VR is very exciting and this keeps students focused and engaged. In the end, this increases knowledge retention and academic outcomes.
- Caters to Hands-on Experience
Modern learning is rendered impactful when students attain both knowledge and skillsets. More so, it would be best when one’s creativity is enhanced to develop superior problem-solving skills. In this way, educational systems can be hindered from killing creativity and motivation in students.
Currently, VR is seen as a reliable solution to revolutionizing educational systems globally. The technology can not only be used to understand intricate concepts but it can also be utilized for obtaining hands-on experience. It is suitable when it comes to visual learning and it can anchor any type of instruction.
Apart from that, virtual reality can be used in highly technical training fields such as aviation, and the medical industry among others. Virtual field trips are also possible with VR. Students can reach areas they only dreamt about or wish to access but are unable due to costs.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to embracing technologies, the education sector always seems to be lagging behind. However, that is about to become a mere story. Due to advancements in technology, innovation, and e-learning, the education sector is currently adopting several technologies like AI, AR, and VR to render learning innovative and more meaningful.
If you’re an educator contemplating introducing VR to your students there are a range of reasons you shouldn’t back out. Virtual reality is an alluring technology and can cultivate existing learning avenues in any classroom.
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