Virtual reality in education
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Virtual Reality in Education: Transforming Learning Environments
Introduction to Virtual Reality in Education
Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing the educational landscape by providing immersive, interactive learning experiences that traditional methods cannot match. This technology allows students to explore and manipulate computer-generated environments, enhancing their understanding and engagement in various subjects.
VR in STEM Education: Enhancing Learning Outcomes
In the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, VR has shown significant promise. A comprehensive review of VR-supported instructional design practices in K-12 and higher education revealed that VR can improve learning outcomes and user experiences. However, there is a need for more studies to measure students' learning performance comprehensively1. The integration of VR in STEM education encourages innovative teaching methods and helps students grasp complex concepts through immersive simulations.
VR in K-12 Education: Fostering Engagement and Critical Thinking
The use of VR, along with augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), in K-12 education has been extensively reviewed. These technologies have been found to enhance collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and student engagement. They also positively impact learning motivation and performance2. Despite these benefits, the adoption of VR in primary education is still in its nascent stages, with primary school teachers showing both enthusiasm and hesitance towards its integration3.
VR in Health Professions Education: Improving Knowledge and Skills
VR is also making strides in health professions education. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that VR improves post-intervention knowledge and cognitive skills among health professionals compared to traditional learning methods. However, the evidence on attitudes and satisfaction remains mixed and inconclusive4. This suggests that while VR is effective in enhancing practical skills, further research is needed to explore its broader impacts on educational outcomes.
VR in Vocational Education: Practical Applications
In vocational education and training, VR is being used to create virtual excursions and simulations that provide hands-on experience in a controlled environment. This approach is particularly beneficial for industrial practice in upper secondary vocational schools, where students can engage in realistic scenarios without the associated risks5.
VR in Language Learning: Overcoming Challenges
The application of VR in language learning has been systematically reviewed, highlighting its potential to create immersive language environments. However, challenges such as technical configuration and pedagogical grounding need to be addressed to fully realize its benefits6. Despite these hurdles, VR offers a unique opportunity for language learners to practice in realistic, interactive settings.
Effectiveness of VR in Elementary Education: A Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis of controlled studies on the effectiveness of VR in elementary education found that students in virtual environments achieve higher learning scores compared to traditional classrooms. The study also noted that mobile VR is as effective as tethered VR, making it a versatile tool for various educational settings7.
General Impact of VR on Educational Outcomes
A broader meta-analysis on the use of VR in education concluded that VR technologies generally have a strong positive influence on educational outcomes. However, some negative findings were noted in areas such as anxiety and learner satisfaction, indicating the need for careful implementation and further research8.
Teachers' Perspectives on VR in Education
Teachers generally view VR as an engaging and effective tool that encourages active learning and caters to different learning styles. However, they also recognize the need for concentration and the potential challenges in integrating VR into the curriculum9.
Conclusion
Virtual Reality is poised to transform education by providing immersive, interactive learning experiences that enhance student engagement and understanding. While there are challenges to its widespread adoption, the potential benefits of VR in various educational contexts—from STEM and health professions to language learning and vocational training—are substantial. As technology continues to advance, VR is likely to become an integral part of the educational landscape, offering new opportunities for innovative teaching and learning.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Scoping Review of Immersive Virtual Reality in STEM Education
Immersive virtual reality in STEM education shows promise for improving learning outcomes and user experience, but more research is needed to measure students' learning performance.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedVirtual, augmented and mixed reality in K–12 education: a review of the literature
Virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies in K-12 education enhance collaboration, critical thinking, attitude, engagement, learning, motivation, performance, and technology use.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedA Review of Virtual Reality from Primary School Teachers’ Perspectives
Primary school teachers show both hesitance and enthusiasm for incorporating virtual reality in their classrooms, highlighting the need for further research on this topic.
Systematic ReviewVirtual Reality for Health Professions Education: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by the Digital Health Education Collaboration
Virtual reality (VR) shows potential in improving health professionals' knowledge and cognitive skills compared to traditional education, but more research is needed on attitudes and satisfaction.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCreation of Virtual Reality for Education Purposes
Virtual reality systems and camera systems show potential for creating software products for vocational education and training, with potential for industrial practice in upper secondary vocational schools.
Virtual reality in language learning: a systematic review and implications for research and practice
Virtual reality (VR) is an invaluable tool in language classrooms, but faces challenges in technical configuration and pedagogical grounding.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedEffectiveness of virtual reality in elementary school: A meta-analysis of controlled studies
Virtual reality (VR) in elementary education leads to higher learning scores compared to traditional classrooms, with both tethered and mobile VR environments being equally effective.
Meta-AnalysisA meta-analysis of the effect of virtual reality technology use in education
Virtual reality technology generally positively influences educational outcomes, but may have negative effects on anxiety, cognition, creativeness, gender differences, learning attitudes, and learner satisfaction.
Meta-AnalysisVirtual Reality in Education from the Perspective of Teachers
Virtual reality in education is engaging, engaging, and suitable for students with visual thinking styles, facilitating learning, and providing quick reviews, but requires concentration.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Education. Myth or Reality?
AR and VR are poised to revolutionize education with new teaching and learning models that better meet the needs of 21st-century learners.
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