Should I use VR in the classroom?
With the Government expected to further back the use of EdTech in schools, following a £10m investment into EdTech in 2019, we look at how schools could implement the use of virtual reality (VR) and VR headsets in the classroom.
We’ve researched several ways in which you could make use of VR or VR headsets in your classroom, with each finding you a solution no matter your school’s budget.
Purchasing VR headsets
VR headsets allow for a fully immersive VR display, with no additional mobile device needed to teaching engaging lessons.
Students can virtually experience World War 1, walk around ancient Maya or even visit the moon – there’s no limit to the benefits that all forms of virtual reality offer to students.
The experience of using a VR headset is unique, offering each individual learner an experience like no other.
However, this is the most expensive option for schools to consider, with a VR headset costing around £194, then multiply that by the number of children in your school or classroom!
Some VR headsets can also be fairly heavy, meaning they could be difficult for children to wear. There’s also the issue of motion sickness which can be experienced by whilst using a VR headset. However, the human brain is fantastic at adjusting to cope with new experiences, so this can be solved by taking it steady to begin with.
Renting VR classroom workshops
If you can’t afford to outright purchase VR headsets for your classroom, why not rent some out for a lesson to give your learners a taste of something different?
A tailored workshop for each class can be created, with passionate educators conducting the lesson meaning you don’t have to learn to use something new.
VR can have a meaningful impact when built in conjunction with the curriculum, whether you’re inspiring creative writing, explaining how something works or making children more sympathetic to historical events.
Renting VR headsets could be great for a one-off treat for your children, however, these experience days only offer learners a one-day solution.
Accessing VR through a headset can also only be experienced by one person at a time, taking away the shared experience that the modern-day classroom currently offers.
Luckily, there are alternatives out there for a permanent low-cost VR solution!
No VR headsets?
No problem!
It is possible to bring VR into your classroom without having to purchase or rent expensive VR headsets.
With our immersive eLearning platform, you can access engaging virtual experiences for free!
We have developed virtual tours that allow children to be transported to another world, developed to hold their attention for longer and meet their key learning objectives.
The platform is designed to make lesson planning easier, as virtual tours have been developed alongside their very own downloadable lesson guide and activity worksheet, to extend the VR experience.
Instead of VR headsets, our content is delivered on devices that schools already own, such as interactive whiteboards, laptops and tablets. If you really want VR headsets, but don’t have the budget available, cheaper alternatives are available.
The Google Cardboard makes use of mobile VR technology, and Seymour & Lerhn content can be accessed this way too!
A truly immersive VR headset experience is unmatched. So, schools with larger budgets would suit purchasing VR headsets, as they are available for each classroom to use.
There is, however, still room for the Seymour & Lerhn eLearning platform in your school when all the VR headsets are booked out by another class!
