Virtual Reality as the Next Step in Online Learning

With the advancement of technology, virtual reality is being used as a substitute for real classrooms. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many students either weren’t able to go to school or had difficulty traveling for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to, having a disability or a long commute distance. With so many different circumstances globally to navigate through and work with, the difficulty in finding a mostly encompassing solution was omnipresent. However, as technology continues to improve with its connectivity of people around the world, a new age of learning is being born with virtual reality.

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Traditional user interface allows for the experience of interacting with a two dimensional display. The possibilities of utilization are endless, especially with the innovation of computers, laptops, tablets, and phones. Within the last two decades, humans have invented a way to keep almost every aspect of their life in their pocket. However virtual reality has allowed for a giant leap to be taken in terms of human innovation. Instead of viewing a two dimensional display, a headset is placed over the user’s head and they are immersed within a three dimensional world. The possibilities are multiplied tenfold, by allowing the user to be “transported” to any environment they wish to be in. For example, students taking history classes can be virtually placed in the setting they are learning about. Instead of viewing photos of specific landmarks or structures, the computer technology would generate it for the user to be fully immersed in.

While the experience of VR sounds life-changing and desirable, it has several drawbacks. People who live in districts where schools aren’t funded as generously will not get to experience this costly technology. Furthermore, since VR itself is still in its developing stages and only widespread across mainstream media, it will be a long time until the cost will be lowered for the people who cannot afford it. Another problem that arises comes from the experience itself. If users do not exercise moderation, addiction is likely to occur. Being immersed in a different world might create attachments that could become unhealthy if it comes into conflict with reality. For example, a user could end up neglecting their bodily functions of eating, drinking, or sleeping, and would want to spend all of their time in the computer generated reality.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, humans had to take a step back and reinvent learning to better adapt to the situation of the world . This was when the term “virtual learning” was born. Students turned from viewing whiteboards to viewing their teacher’s shared screen and notebooks to online note taking. However, even with all of the possibilities that virtual learning had to offer, there was one thing that was missing: the classroom setting itself. As weeks turned to months, and months turned into almost two years, the lack of the necessary environment for optimal learning was affecting both students and teachers alike. The recent and developing solution of virtual reality will ensure that students are immersed in the visual experience as well as receiving an enhanced education.