Virtual Reality in the Classroom

With Apple’s release of the Apple Vision Pro, virtual reality is becoming more prevalent daily.  With the seamless cross of the real and the virtual, the applications are only limited to one's imagination. This led me to research different ways virtual reality technology can be used in the classroom.

One common use for virtual reality in the classroom is a tour of a virtual museum.  Instead of having to plan, schedule, and attend a field trip to a museum students can now visit any museum available in VR.  This comes with some drawbacks though as some may think that students wouldn’t be getting the full experience of visiting a museum.  I couldn’t agree more.  There is a time and a place for VR tours, but you can’t beat going to a real museum in person.

Another use of VR in the classroom is to allow students to experiment with science in a safe environment.  Students of any age can conduct VR simulations of physics, chemistry, and engineering, without the dangers that come with the field.  I think this is a great application of VR in the classroom, as it allows students of all ages to experience the sciences in a safe environment.  For example, we could have elementary schoolers, doing simulations of chemistry experiments, without the dangers that come with bunsen burners and corrosive chemicals.  Or they could start trying electrical and mechanical engineering without the worries of them injuring themselves.

One more use of VR technology in the classroom is VR art.  With apps that allow you to paint, draw, and sculpt in VR, the possibilities are endless.  As the price of art supplies is ever-increasing, one would only have to have a one-time purchase of a VR headset to produce digital art.  Although some may view this as more graphic design than art, I believe it has enough force to become a medium of its own.

Even SDSU is hopping on the VR bandwagon.  In an article from March of 2023, SDSU was elected as one of seven universities to become a “metaversity.”  Students will be able to attend classes through a virtual replica of the SDSU campus.  They would be able to engage in the classroom just like a normal student.  This alone is a huge application for distance learning situations.  Whether you live out of state or are sick, you can attend your lectures like you were there in person.  If you would like to read more about it, here is the SDSU news article:

https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2023/03/sdsu-selected-one-seven-original-metaversities

As well, on February 28th, SDSU Faculty and Staff can attend an event that will teach them how to introduce VR in the classroom, if any faculty/staff would like to sign up, here is the link to the event:

https://www.sdstate.edu/events/2024/02/how-start-teaching-vr

With VR as an ever-increasing medium, it is only a matter of time before it makes its way into the classroom, and when it comes, I will welcome it with open arms.