VR headsets are an absolute must for Virtual Reality use in classrooms. Headsets vary in price and quality. The one pictured is one of the least expensive options, Google Cardboard. Higher end headsets are available as well. If a school plans to also incorporate student generated experiences, computers and specific CAD software will be required.

Additional accessories are available to improve your VR experience but are not necessary to use this technology in the classroom. Headphones and haptic controller accessories add to the overall sensory experience.

Few research studies are available at this time as this is a new and emerging technology for educational usage.

One study in China found a 32% increase in retention rates in test groups.

A team of researchers and educators called Foundry 10 are currently working on a study on the use of VR in classrooms in the United States and Canada.

Virtual Reality experiences area fantastic way to enhance current curriculum.

Virtual field trips will allow teachers and students to overcome distance and expense issues by transporting them virtually to museums, battlefields, foreign countries, and even to outer space.

VR also allows students to experience activities that are otherwise impossible or difficult. Students can watch an animal dissection in 3D or experience a volcano erupting.

But overall VR should not be seen as replacing current curriculum but as a way to augment it and help increase student interest and attention to subject matter.

Many virtual reality apps are available that have practical use in the classroom. Here is a small sampling of the apps that can be used in a variety of school subject areas.

Anatomy 4D brings the human body to life. This app is targeted to biology students.

Titans of Space features a guided tour of space. it includes voice overs and music while you explore the sky above.

InMind allows students to travel through the brain. It is a great tool for human anatomy studies.

Boulevard allows students tour various art museums and interact with famous works of art.

Sites in VR allows viewers to tour famous landmarks around the world.

King Tut VR explores the Egyptian king's tomb.

Earth AR is a whole new way to explore the geography of our planet.

Virtual Reality technology for educational applications is an exciting new development for teachers and students. Textbook publishers are partnering with technology developers to examine current materials to enhance them using VR. It is an exciting time for educational technology.

Works Cited-

Freeman, A., Adams Becker, S., Cummins, M., Davis, A., and Hall Giesinger, C. (2017) NMC/CoSN Horizon Report: K-23 Edition. Austin, Texas: The News Media Consortium.


Lynch, M. (2017, March 11). 20 top virtual reality apps that are changing education. Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.thetechedvocate.org/20-top-virtual-reality-apps-that-are-changin...