The Future of Education is VR Classrooms
Education paves the way to acquire new skills, develop critical thinking and analytical know-how, contribute to economic welfare, develop a sense of purpose, build connections and shape one's career. Its impact on individuals, societies, governments and the world is undeniable. Yet methods to educate people have not always kept pace with technological developments. That said, change is imminent and will come faster over the next decade.
Advancements have already been visible during the COVID-19 pandemic when governments were forced to close the doors of schools and universities worldwide for weeks at a time. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) supported the global education sector with digital tools, programs and resources to ensure continuity of learning. Other countries around the world rolled out online educational tools as well.
Although these solutions were crucial, they mostly focused on transferring knowledge, not the practical and in-person experience students needed to grasp concepts. After all, while some learn through theory, others learn through practice. The evolution of educational technology going forward must address experiential and immersive learning.
Virtual Reality (VR) is best positioned to address this need and create a competitive advantage for students and educators alike, here are some of the ways we see VR transforming education and classrooms:
Social Emotional Learning in VR
There’s a global need today for social-emotional learning because the pandemic has been so isolating for students over the past two years. Kids are retracting or lacking social-emotional skills that serve them both at school and at home, and need help reshaping the social connections impacted during the pandemic. Gaming and VR engagement with a purpose gives these students brave spaces for them to explore and address social experiences in a curated environment. Chris Nitti, Digital Age Coordinator for Hoquiam School District, said: "Online and distance learners don’t have the physical spaces that physical campuses do, like track fields, basketball courts, dorm rooms and quad spaces. VR brings this element of a physical space for students to socialize and engage in virtual learning."
Touring Campuses Remotely
Since the pandemic forced colleges and universities to shut down, virtual visits like those run through VEDX Solutions platform started on the rise. There are many advantages to VR campus tours, such as students and families don't have to spend time and money or leave home. Rather, they can tour the campus from the kitchen table or sofa whenever they choose. They can get all of the information presented on a campus tour from within the app and get a better sense of "fit" in terms of environment and location. Jay Schnoor, Co-founder and CEO of VEDX Solutions, “We have a dozen new universities coming onto our VR platform right now with twin campuses, which will give prospective students a real sense of ‘being there’, so they can decide where to apply.”
Preparing for Jobs in VR
Another area Nitti is most excited about for students is the high-paying job opportunities in VR, across a wide array of industries from aviation to automotive, architecture, healthcare and much more. Software and engineering are the main fields in VR. However, there are also multiple openings for business, marketing and finance professionals. Students that are learning in VR are at an advantage to begin planning their careers in VR by getting certifications while they’re still in classrooms. “My kids are extremely ambitious and not scared of anything. They are eager to learn more about working and opportunities in VR for their futures, and that’s so exciting to see,” said Nitti.
What’s to Come
David Byrne, Director of Studies and Curriculum at EC English Language Centers, said: “I think it's inevitable that VR will have a big impact on education. There are already many VR applications for learning skills, lecturing, and language learning. VR is perfect for reactive learning, where you can't just plan and control the environment. It allows you to move around, interact with different objects, and receive feedback in different ways. VR is an immersive platform that can provide a more engaging and effective learning experience than traditional methods, and bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world."
As educators look ahead to the future of immersive learning, many of us look forward to what VR will bring to the table and how it will captivate students with new ways of exploring the curriculum.