Remote and distance learning are the new norms. Students from all over the world log onto their computers and mobile devices to attend class. However, being isolated to their homes takes out the social aspect of schooling. Having human-to-human interaction is crucial to physical and mental health. In addition, developing social skills are important to the future careers of those students. One day when the world returns to some sense of normalcy, people will have to attend meetings in person, go to social events, learn to network, speak in front of audiences, etc.
What’s VR?
So, what’s the solution to include social learning in a remote setting? Virtual reality, otherwise known as VR, could be a strong contender. If you’re unfamiliar with what virtual reality is, it’s the use of technology to create an environment that is entirely simulated. The student is fully immersed in an artificial 3D world, where their sense of sight, sound, and even touch are stimulated to promote a version of reality. A student’s learning environment and virtual reality are now one and the same.
Applying Social Learning
VR can help with social learning because it can provide students with a life-like experience and still be miles apart from one another. The standard to bring social and collaborative work into the eLearning environment is to use discussion boards. But let’s face it. It’s hard to imagine an 8-year-old getting excited about writing on a discussion board.
VR can allow students to interact with each other as avatars. They can talk, use body language, and work together to provide numerous social aspects. Other ways to bring socialization via VR is to collaborate on projects, travel to new places around the world, and actually attend classes or lectures together in the same virtual space.
VR may not be the real thing, but it provides that missing piece of social interaction that eLearning lacks in many cases. When combined together, both VR experiences and eLearning can bring about an effective remote learning experience.
What Other Ways Can VR Help Students?
Other than the social aspect, students are typically more engaged when using VR as a learning tool. They are learning not just through visual means, but through experience. It can be debated that learning through experience is possibly the most effective way to be educated. Experiences have lasting impressions on us and help with retention.
With VR, students are able to take new content and skills that they’ve learned, and apply them to hands-on experiences in a way that is reflective of their own behaviors. It truly bridges the gap between theory and practice, while providing the students with a safe learning environment at the same time.
Virtual reality is not limited. Students can work through an infinite amount of scenarios to achieve their learning objectives. They can use archeological skills to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza. Students can dissect a human body to understand anatomy better. Or they can debate in front of a live audience discussing politics and economics. The possibilities are endless.
2019 was a big year for VR. Educators and companies alike were preparing to make new strides and provide access to headsets and software to propel virtual reality into classrooms. These goals have been put on the back burner due to our current situation. But why not use VR in eLearning to make remote teaching more effective? VR has the potential to be the future of eLearning.