Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between drama/theater involvement and academic achievement. In addition to having higher standardized test scores than their peers who do not experience the arts, student who participate in drama often experience improved reading comprehension, maintain better attendance records, and stay generally more engaged in school than their non-arts counterparts. Schools with arts-integrated programs, even in low-income areas, report high academic achievement.
“Virtual reality can be used to enhance student learning and engagement. VR education can transform the way educational content is delivered; it works on the premise of creating a virtual world — real or imagined — and allows users not only to see it but also interact with it. Being immersed in what you’re learning motivates you to fully understand it. It’ll require less cognitive load to process the information.” — Nick Babich
“At first glance, it might seem contradictory to bring virtual reality into a live theatrical performance. But with the theater world’s embrace of immersive, participatory experiences, and VR’s unique power to simulate immersion and offer agency, the merger makes sense. For the past several years, shorter projects like filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Carne Y Arena have been blending mixed-reality and performance, nurtured by an array of forward-thinking arts institutions in the U.S. and abroad. ” — Tal McThenia
School isn’t what it used to be. Chalkboards have been replaced with SMART boards. Pencil and paper have become Chromebooks and tablets. It’s only a matter of time before virtual reality education can be found in every classroom across the country.
The benefits of this educational approach are endless. Virtual reality brings learners to another world — another level of understanding — right inside the classroom.
All students learn at a different pace and in different ways. Some are visual learners; others work best with hands-on stimulation or verbal commands. Virtual reality education will help bridge the gap between these learners.
Here are five reasons why schools need to consider and implement this revolutionary form of teaching.
Make Learning Fun Again
How many of us have heard these words from a learner – “I’m bored.” Teachers work tirelessly to engage learners through interactive games and projects, group work, public speaking, and a multitude of other avenues. Often their efforts fall flat.
To say virtual reality would make the class interesting again is an understatement. It would also allow teachers to bring lessons to life. Students would experience hands-on, real-life encounters that will prepare them for the future.
Memorable Experiences
Imagine transporting a child to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the sunken wreck of the Titanic, or the Great Wall of China. No school budget could sustain these adventures, but virtual reality education can make it happen! Children would have the opportunity to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Virtual reality can also help prepare students for the future workforce by teaching real-life skills. A scenario designed around a current lesson on topics such as specialized training, vocational jobs, or nursing can be “practiced” and experienced using this technique.
Technology is the Future
Technology has transformed the classroom in recent years. Students have gone from passive learners to active learners. There’s no denying that to be successful in the 21st century, students need practical technological skills.
It’s not often you see a child under the age of 4 that isn’t swiftly navigating a tablet faster than any adult. The benefits of virtual reality are, in fact, a reality!
Virtual Reality Education Bridges the Gap of Learners
Because most students can easily navigate virtual reality, they feel accomplished. It’s a rewarding experience, which means a positive one. If children feel confident in their ability to learn, they will continue to seek out further enriching experiences.
A student can also be whoever they want to be in the virtual reality world. Race, gender, and age don’t matter. They are free to be themselves and feel accepted. This new method of learning opens up doors for learning in new and different ways.
Promotes Creativity and Curiosity
Virtual reality education puts power in the hands of the learner. They are allowed to make decisions and adjustments in the alternate “universe.” Students experiment with their creativity, prompted by their curiosity about how things work.
All these factors link to critical thinking and increased retention. The entire experience brings learning to another level.
So if you’re hesitant about what role virtual reality can play in the classroom, just take a look at some of the benefits listed. According to
According to a survey conducted by Samsung, 93% of teachers in grades K-12 said their students would be excited about using virtual reality in the classroom, and 83% said virtual reality might help their student’s educational outcomes.
Those are some impressive percentages and even more reason to give virtual reality education a chance!