Virtual Reality and the Education Playing Field

In times past, students used to take field trips. These excursions would allow them some time away from the classroom. It also allowed them to have meaningful experiences, as well as educational experiences.

During these field trips, they learned important lessons about life. Also, they learned about how specific aspects of life function.

Some forms of field trips were what was called, “Career Days.” These would allow students to be mentored by those people of a chosen profession.

Times Change

Funds have not always been readily flowing for all schools. This means that providing for exciting field trips may be difficult. With minimal funding for student exploration, there are also increases in technological careers which could use the exposure. These two aspects create even more difficulties in funding the very experience that would benefit the students the most.

Virtual Reality for the Education World

Welcome to Virtual Reality (VR) for education. This provides an opportunity for students to experience something that is similar to a field trip. It is similar to what would be experienced outside the classroom. In this case, it offers the ability to save money by not traveling beyond a few feet from the classroom itself.

This is a great opportunity for the school to save money. It is also a great educational benefit for the students, fellow classmates, instructors, school administration, school board, and the community as a whole.

And, for smaller schools, private schools, or even homeschooling, the VR educational experience provides an opportunity that may not have been available in decades past, in the traditional methods.

It Isn’t Just Field Trips (What About the Problem Solving Program?)

Another program that used to be available in the academic world is problem-solving. It was not as common as the field trips and may not have been offered at all schools. Regardless of its popularity, it is something that can now be presented via virtual reality. The students read about specific problems and use virtual reality to test and implement solutions for those problems. Also, situational debates (even between schools) can give the students the virtual environment to take action. This prepares them for future careers and opportunities.

These fields, as well as others, like medicine, architecture, and science, allow for the students to practice their skills. It allows them to hone their skills in ways that benefit them, benefit their academic growth, and benefit the community. This is something that VR makes possible by dropping the learners into the environment. As a result, it is an environment in which they can practice and apply those skills.

More on the Topic of Field Trips

Fortunately, an emulated field trip can be handled in different ways. The curriculum for the educational program, as well as the objectives, dictate the plans. For example, it may be possible to track where the student is in the process. Of course, it depends on the VR software. The student(s) participates in an event with a movie box or panoramic view (3D). The instructor provides additional information. This provides a full-circle instructional event. That event translates into learning.

An academic test may be used in addition to the VR experience and it involves scoring. The scoring determines the progress of the student. In this similar fashion, virtual reality provides opportunities for grading. It doesn’t have to entirely replace the other teaching methods, but instead, it can enhance those methods, providing the interactive environment the students need.

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