First there was the object brought into the classroom, then books appeared with images of the object, and of late, videos and moving images became a revelation in education. All these methods which help the visual learner have improved student engagement although it might be said the actual original object, seen in its three dimensions is the best way for a student to understand it – that is unless we’re talking about a tiger or the Sydney Opera House!
We can still do this by visiting a zoo, or more expensively and time-consuming, organise a visit to Australia. The latest technological wizardry can supersede both of these methods, quite convincingly in fact, using Virtual Reality. Headsets allowing students to enjoy 360 degree experiences have come down in price and may drop further whilst the amount of educational material available is increasing exponentially each month.
Is this just another gimmick like bringing iPads into school? The research from some heavyweight organisations says otherwise with Forbes Magazine and the University of Tokyo, both trumpeting the proven benefits of using VR in education. Yes, we will need to be mindful of too much time spent wearing quite hefty equipment although Meta suggest those under 13 years old should avoid extended time on the devices.
This apart, the chance to spend 15 – 20 minutes of a lesson in the Okavanga Delta cowering as a lioness approaches you or sidestepping a bull elephant charging towards you, will create learning memories that last. Both surveys suggest 75% better retention of knowledge and skills with an ensuing 20% improvement in exam grades.
Elea High Online School will carefully incorporate VR technology in its lessons where appropriate and where the use of the technology can outweigh other methods of learning. By the end of the academic year, Elea High Online School hopes that its data will reinforce the thought that developments in education are having a very positive impact on learning outcomes.
