Virtual Reality for School: How to use VR in education

Virtual Reality for School: How to use VR in education

Most people have heard the name VR, but somehow don't know about VR or how it is used. An increasing number of platforms are adapting the technology of VR in education. VR is reshaping the future of education and its platforms to enhance learning, engagement, and procurement. With the advancement, VR has taken place in classrooms from gaming and entertainment. VR relates to interactive content with 360-degree exploration.

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality is a technology that creates a virtual world where you can see and gain experience through headsets. Virtual reality for schools provides a computer-made world. Virtual Reality gives experiences like real life. When we use VR in education, a student wants to know about ancient Egypt. They can walk through the pyramids and what the lifestyle of people thousands of years ago. They need only VR headsets to explore the environment. 

Importance of VR in education

Using virtual reality for schools can make learning more exciting and easier to understand. Here’s why schools are interested in VR.

• Better Understanding

• Higher Engagement

• Safe Practice

• Real-World Experience

  
  

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Tools and Devices Needed

You need some basic tools to use virtual reality education apps:

Tool / Device	Purpose / Use	Examples
VR Headset	Allows students to enter and interact with the virtual world	Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, Google Cardboard
Computer / Smartphone	Powers the VR experience and runs educational applications	Windows PC, Android phone, iPhone
VR Controllers	Let students interact with virtual objects (grab, point, move)	Oculus Touch Controllers, Vive Controllers
Educational VR Apps	Provide subject-specific content like science, history, or math simulations	Google Expeditions, ClassVR, Anatomyou, Tilt Brush
High-Speed Internet	Needed for downloading VR content and accessing online VR platforms	Wi-Fi / Broadband Connection
Teacher Control Platform	Helps teachers guide VR sessions, manage student progress, and assign activities	ClassVR Portal, zSpace Teacher Dashboard
Charging Station	Keeps devices charged and ready for use	Multi-device charging carts or docks
Comfort Accessories	Increases comfort and hygiene during use	Head straps, face pads, and cleaning wipes

Benefits of VR in Education

VR in education can help students in interactive classes. The benefits that students have with the help of using VR in education.

Enhanced Engagement and Motivation

Students can struggle with traditional learning methods that are used from past eras. VR provides an engaging and immersive environment. Learners quickly capture from this environment. Challenges, rewards, and engaging simulation elements of gamification make learning interactive engaging, and enjoyable.

For example, students can:

• Walk inside a human body to learn biology.

• Explore the surface of Mars in a space science class.

• Visit ancient Rome for a history lesson.

  
  

Experiential Learning

VR enables students to experience learning about historical events, explore the human body, or travel through space. This VR approach provides a deep study for learners to improve their understanding, attainment, and test scores up to 20%. 

For example:

• A medical student can practice surgery in VR.

• An engineering student can build machines and test them in a virtual lab.

• A chemistry student can mix virtual chemicals safely. 

  
  

Boosting knowledge retention

Virtual reality fully engages students and focuses their senses on the teaching topics. With the help of VR in education, learners set a clear mindset and adapt the knowledge easily. They improve the knowledge by up to 70% with these VR learning methods.

• The brain remembers “doing” better than “reading.”

• Emotions and excitement during VR experiences help memory stick.

• Repetition in VR is easy and effective.

  
  

Safe and Controlled Learning 

Medical training, chemistry experiments, and many other studies require a practical assessment. Virtual reality in online education provides a risk-free space where learners learn things and practice them without risk. After learning, they implement it in the real world. Some subjects involve risk or danger.

For example:

• Practising emergency procedures.

• Handling chemicals or machinery.

• Learning to drive or fly.

  
  

Inclusivity and Special Education

Normally, people talk about VR, but the question arises How is VR used in special education? VR is particularly very helpful for students with disabilities. VR helps students with autism develop social and communication skills. VR is transforming special education by being inclusive, with immersive experiences. It is customizable for different abilities, real-life skills, and boosting engagement.

Personalized learning

Virtual reality can provide for learning styles according to their needs, offering experiences that allow students to progress. It can be useful for students with special educational needs, providing an adaptive learning space.

How is VR used in education?

VR can help in teaching different school subjects:

1. Science

• Explore the solar system and walk on planets.

• Travel inside the human body to see how organs work.

• Perform chemistry experiments in a virtual lab.

• Understand physics by seeing how forces like gravity work.

  
  

2. History

• Take virtual field trips to the pyramids of Egypt and the Taj Mahal.

• Watch historical events virtually.

• Meet historical figures and understand how people lived in the past.

  
  

3. Mathematics

• Visualise 3D shapes and geometry.

• Solve problems with interactive models.

• Play fun math games that improve logical thinking.

  
  

4. Geography

• Fly over mountains, rivers, and continents.

• Study weather patterns, volcanoes, and climate zones.

• Explore maps and landscapes in a 360-degree view.

  
  

5. Art and Design

• Paint in 3D using virtual brushes.

• Create sculptures or buildings using VR tools.

• Visit famous art museums around the world.

  
  

6. Language Learning

• Practice speaking with virtual characters.

• Explore countries where the language is spoken.

• Play interactive grammar and vocabulary games.

  
  

What is the best VR for education?

The VR for virtual reality education apps are mentioned below:

VR System	Best For	Key Features
Meta Quest 2 / 3	General education across subjects	Wireless, high-quality visuals, wide app support
ClassVR	Full classroom VR management	Built for schools, teacher controls, preloaded lessons
Google Cardboard	Budget-friendly VR introduction	Works with smartphones, simple setup
zSpace	STEM and hands-on technical education	Combines VR + AR, stylus interaction, great for science learning
HTC Vive / Vive Focus 3	Advanced and professional training	High-end graphics, accurate motion tracking, suitable for simulations

Conclusion

Technology is an advanced tool that is used in the education industry. VR in education offers innovative ways to learn and gives immersive experiences. In conclusion, the importance of VR in education gives immersive experiences in learning. Many schools and universities use AR and VR together to provide interactive learning experiences. Students use these tools with interest and make their learning power efficient. Teachers and trainers used these tools to make lessons interactive. VR tools are making education enjoyable, engaging, and practical. The future of virtual reality in education becomes an essential part of the learning space and reaches to future generations of students.