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The Role of Virtual Reality in Education – Learning Beyond the Classroom

By eduthing

How VR is Transforming Learning Experiences in Science, History and Geography

As class teachers, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage pupils and deepen their understanding. One way of doing this is by using Virtual Reality (VR), this is a powerful tool that takes learning beyond the walls of the classroom and doors of the schools.

A VR experience is an immersive, interactive experience that can bring subjects like Science, History, and Geography to life.

VR In Education

Virtual Reality uses computer-generated simulations to create a 3D, immersive environment, this is typically seen as pupils wearing VR headsets to explore environments as if they were or are actually there. This technology transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, helping pupils to grasp complex ideas more easily.

How VR Enhances Learning Across Subjects

    1. Science – Exploring the Invisible and the Immense
      Science often deals with concepts that are too small, too large or too dangerous to experience directly. VR allows pupils to explore the microscopic world of cells, travel through the human body or visit distant planets in our solar system. 
    2. History – Walking Through Time
      History becomes vivid and engaging when pupils can virtually visit historical sites or witness key events firsthand. VR can transport pupils to ancient Egypt’s pyramids, the trenches of World War I, or the streets of Renaissance Florence. This immersive experience helps pupils understand the context, emotions and realities of historical moments beyond reading or watching videos.
    3. Geography: Experiencing the World
      Geography lessons also benefit enormously from VR by enabling virtual field trips anywhere in the world. Pupils can explore rainforests, deserts, mountain ranges and urban centres without leaving the classroom. This encourages curiosity about different cultures and environments along with promoting spatial thinking and environmental awareness

Including Tech-Themed Books to Support  Learning

Now, I have just mentioned that VR can help pupils to experience the world beyond reading or watching videos, however, there is a place in the classroom for books. By having and introducing tech-themed books into your classroom, pupils can read for pleasure on tech topics, helping them to make better sense of the technology they encounter, including VR and other digital tools. 

The charity Technology Books for Children recommends several titles that are excellent for this purpose, for example, “All About Virtual Reality “,  by Jack Challoner and “Virtual Reality (Cutting Edge Technology) “, by Betsy Rathburn. Having books about tech and virtual reality within the learning environment can enhance VR experiences by helping pupils in making connections with virtual worlds they explore and real-world technology concepts.

How VR Benefits For Teachers and Pupils

      •  Increased engagement and motivation as VR experiences can get children deeply interested and curious leading to deeper exploration of topics.
      • Accessibility, for some pupils who may find traditional learning challenging, they may respond well to the multi-sensory approach provided through a VR experience
      • A safe learning environment – pupils can explore dangerous places and things without risk of harm
      • Soft Skills – VR environments and platforms can support group activities and nurture “soft skills” such as teamwork, collaboration and communication

Considerations For Schools

      • VR kit can be expensive, however EduThing have EdTech Loan Kits which will support you with adding VR experiences into your teaching
      • Align VR experiences clearly with lesson objectives and ensure they are adding clear value
      • Accessibility – ensure all pupils can participate, some people do not enjoy VR experiences, provide alternatives where necessary
      • Incorporate VR usage as part of a broader teaching strategy, followed up by discussion, reflection and related activities.

Final Thoughts

Virtual Reality is a transformative educational tool that can make learning more memorable and meaningful, by bringing abstract concepts and distant worlds into the classroom, these types of experiences help children to engage with science, history and geography in new and exciting ways. 

When paired up with tech-themed books, children are able to gain both the conceptual understanding and experience, which can lead to greater appreciation and becoming confident users of technology.

Schools can access Virtual Reality through our EdTech Loan Kits and Student Workshops, giving pupils hands-on immersive experiences without the need for upfront investment. These workshops and loan kits make it easy to bring VR directly into your classroom, enhancing learning across subjects.