In today’s day and age our learning experiences are evolving and expanding. One primary driver of this change is technology. Technology innovates and shapes our daily lives and often simultaneously gains access into our learning environments. One of those emerging technologies is Virtual Reality or VR. VR is positively influencing classroom experiences by seeping its essence in to the field of education.
Immersive learning solutions elevate traditional learning offerings to learning experiences and take classroom engagement to a whole new level. The immersive nature of Virtual Reality brings depth to education by triggering our senses. It helps making learning more interesting and innovative. We have seen in the past that newly introduced technology spreads on a very fast pace. However, some organisations just follow trends and fail to thoroughly plan for new technology implementations. This is often due to the lack awareness around their learner demographics, learning environments or of simply being familiar enough with the actual technology. Unfortunately, technology is then criticized and opposed for irrelevant reasons. Considering the following three VR strategy elements, help you ensure that your Virtual Reality journey is being successful.
VR elevates traditional learning offerings to learning experiences.
1. Emphasis on learning objectives- not technology
Make sure you keep focused on which learning objectives you want to meet. Select or design the VR solution that helps you transfer learning. Don’t get carried away by the fun of this new tool. We know that’s a difficult ask but who says that we can’t combine the two.
Guide your learners through the experience and avoid getting them lost in the virtual world. Ensure they grasp the information that’s relevant for the leaning journey they are on. For a better learning outcome put your learners in a controlled ‘driver seat’. Let them take decisions and experience potential consequences of their actions. Voila! You combined the best of fun and learning in one.
2. Consider VR as an engagement tool
VR in the classroom supports breaking traditional approaches of facilitation and brings new engaging opportunities to the learning community. Through its interactive nature, VR experiences help building learners’ curiosity and increase learning retention. When using VR in the classroom your learners will be less distracted by their phones or other students. They will be able to focus on the virtual environment and you will be able to encourage meaningful discussions afterwards.
3. Explore how VR can be integrated into your curriculum
VR is still making its way into the learning sector which means we are still to uncover its full potential. In order to use VR to its maximum potential apply instructional design best practices, be clear about your learning objectives, your infrastructure and instructors. Especially your instructors will be key to the success of this new learning tool. Soon they will become your advocates of VR while designing and delivering three-dimensional content. Help them understand the technology, let them prepare comprehensive instructor, participant and session guides and give them enough time to practice their VR solution before they first use it with their students.
All in all, have a strategic plan in place to integrate this excellent technology in to your learning environment.
The MINDSED Team