Virtual Reality Technology in Online Education: Everything You Need to Know

If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember the PBS Kids program, “The Magic School Bus”. This children’s cartoon was years ahead of its time. In this show, a fictional character, Ms. Frizzle, took her students on an interactive learning journey. Students would shrink down to microscopic size so they could learn up close about the human digestive system, the anatomy of plants, and other scientific topics.

Thanks to advances in technology, today it’s possible to have an immersive learning experience. Students can learn about topics in an interactive way, which is much better than traditional learn-and-repeat education.

Virtual Reality – The Future of Online Education

Since 2012, VR technology has changed in many ways. VR headsets have gotten more affordable, more powerful, and smaller. In short, now VR technology is a lot more accessible. And because VR tech is both powerful and affordable, it’s being used as a teaching tool. For example, apps like Google Expeditions show 360-degree views of different parts of the world. This means students who use this technology can experience a place without actually being there.

VR makes learning immersive and engaging. A student can be transported to the Neolithic era, or they can experiment with volatile chemicals. And if exploring outer space is more their speed, this is possible too. When VR is incorporated, education becomes more than just memorization and repetition. A student can learn in a meaningful way using this technology.

Benefits of Using VR for Learning

• Immersive learning – With VR technology, a student can learn a subject by exploring it up close. This is much better than just reading about the subject in a textbook.
• Reduced cost of learning – With VR, students can experiment with chemicals and practice hands-on learning without ever needing costly lab access. In short, VR has made learning more affordable.
• Learning by doing – With VR, students learn by doing. They move from passive learning to active learning.
• Creative development – VR helps students get creative and curious.
• Visual learning – VR makes learning colorful and engaging.

Transforming Online Learning With VR

While online learning has several benefits, one of the biggest complaints by students and educators is that online learning can get boring, especially when students have to stare at a screen for hours. VR breaks the monotony of online learning. For example, instead of just reading the timeline of World War II, students can use VR tech to visit a museum or art gallery and experience first-hand the effects of war.

But VR isn’t the only thing that’s making online learning better these days. Students can also get help from online tutors. All one has to do is call a tutoring company and ask, “Can you take my online class for me?” A tutor will be assigned to the student and this academic expert will ensure the student gets good grades.

VR makes learning impactful and realistic. When students are able to engage with course materials, learning becomes a lot more rewarding.