Unlocking the Powerful Applications of Immersive Technology in Education

Explore How a Lumination Learning Lab Leverages the Power of Immersive Technology

Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance a teacher’s toolkit. Here are some of the best applications of immersive technology that can be used effectively in the classroom to facilitate learning and teaching. In this context, we are highlighting 5 different applications of VR: Extending learning, Enhancing 3D thinking, Empathy development, Transporting to new places, and Practising mental or physical tasks (Hayes, et al, 2021).

Extending learning experiences and making abstract concepts more concrete

VR is an exceptional educational tool for providing learning experiences that are difficult, unsafe, or expensive to replicate with other tools. Through immersive learning, students can visualise complex or abstract ideas, making them easier to understand. The right VR experiences can significantly enhance comprehension of concepts that are challenging to grasp from textbooks alone, providing a powerful supplement to traditional teaching methods across various subjects.

In chemistry, students can explore the structure of atoms or complex molecules in a virtual space, manipulating and observing them from all angles. In biology, learners can take a virtual journey through the human body, exploring intricate cellular processes or complex organ systems. Mathematics students can visualise and interact with complex geometric shapes and transformations in three-dimensional space.

Enhancing 3D thinking and learning

VR enables learners to manipulate and explore three-dimensional objects and environments, improving spatial awareness and understanding. While this directly supports mathematics curriculum objectives, particularly in geometry, its applications extend far beyond. These immersive 3D experiences develop crucial spatial reasoning skills applicable across STEM fields, arts, and humanities, fostering a more intuitive understanding of three-dimensional concepts in various disciplines.

In architecture and design courses, students can walk through and modify virtual buildings, experiencing spatial relationships firsthand. Design and technologies students can disassemble and reassemble complex machinery or structures in a virtual space, enhancing their understanding of 3D mechanical systems. In geography, learners can interact with topographical maps and geological formations, gaining a deeper appreciation of landforms and plate tectonics. Art history classes can benefit from 3D reconstructions of sculptures and architectural works, allowing students to examine details from all angles.

Empathy building

By enabling students to experience situations from different perspectives, VR fosters empathy and understanding of others’ experiences. This aligns with English literature, social studies, and history curriculum objectives focused on understanding characters, historical perspectives, and cultural diversity. VR experiences can help to develop a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences, enhancing empathy and cultural awareness across multiple fields of study.

In literature classes, students can immerse themselves in the settings of novels, experiencing the world as characters do. Psychology students can engage in simulations that demonstrate various mental health conditions, enhancing their understanding and empathy. In sociology, VR can simulate experiences of different socioeconomic backgrounds or cultural practices. Disability awareness programs can utilise VR to simulate various physical or sensory impairments, promoting inclusivity and understanding.

Transporting to new places

VR can virtually transport students to different locations or settings, expanding their horizons and experiences. This capability supports various curriculum areas including geography, environmental science, world languages, and English literature by enabling virtual field trips worldwide. Virtual experiences provide rich, contextual learning that would be impractical or impossible to achieve through traditional means.

In marine biology, students can explore underwater ecosystems, observing marine life in its natural habitat. Humanities students can visit virtual reconstructions of ancient sites, interacting with artefacts in their original context. In earth science, learners can take virtual tours of planets and moons in our solar system. Language students can practise their skills in simulated real-world environments of the countries where the target language is spoken. Art students can visit world-renowned museums and galleries, examining masterpieces up close. Geography classes can explore diverse landscapes and climate zones, from deserts to polar regions.

Practising physical and mental tasks

VR provides a safe, controlled environment for students to practise various skills without real-world consequences. By incorporating virtual practice sessions, students across various disciplines can develop confidence, refine skills, and gain practical experience in a low-risk, cost-effective environment.

In biology, students can perform virtual dissections or practise emergency response scenarios. Chemistry students can conduct virtual experiments with hazardous materials safely. Design and technologies students can test designs and prototypes in virtual environments before physical construction. Drama students can rehearse or perform in virtual theatres. Physical education classes can use VR for sports strategy training or to practise dance routines.

Ready to transform your classroom with VR?

Discover how the Lumination Learning Lab can enhance learning experiences and foster innovative teaching methods. Explore our VR solutions today and elevate your educational practice to new heights. Contact us for a demo or more information!

References: Hayes, A., Daughrity, L. A., & Meng, N. (2021). Approaches to Integrate Virtual Reality into K-16 Lesson Plans: an Introduction for Teachers. TechTrends, 65(3), 394-401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00572-7