Module 7: Virtual Reality

Does VR (virtual Reality) provide learning opportunities that cannot be achieved

through other means?
---Yes, I do think that virtual reality provides learning opportunities that cannot be
achieved through other means. For instance, students can visit and explore places
they have never been before through virtual reality. Virtual reality engages the
imagination in ways that a book, lecture, or field trip cannot. Virtual reality also has
the potential to increase student motivation through gamification. Students can
interact with their learning materials through a virtual journey. I think VR can
provide opportunities for interaction with the learning material in some very
creative ways. Virtual reality ultimately engages the imagination in a way that is
relevant with 21st century learners today.
Do you think VR add significant value to a lesson? Why or Why not?
--- Yes, I do think virtual reality adds significant value to a lesson. There is much
evidence that proves that VR can provide a unique experience for students to
interact and explore a subject as a journey through a different landscape altogether.
I believe it is important to be digitally relevant. In a world where technology
changes at an exponential rate, it is vital for teachers to continuously explore new
options to keep students engaged.
Does VR hurt or help the learning process? How does VR affect your job of teaching
curriculum?
--- Social cognition training through virtual reality should be considered when
working with students who are on the autism spectrum. By focusing on selected
social skills, such as emotion recognition, students who are transitioning into
adulthood can improve their social and cognitive skills. This impacts my job because
virtual reality seems to be a promising tool to help students who have special
needs. There is evidence that virtual reality can provide a rich learning experience
and increase individual motivation. With applications such as Google Cardboard,
there are low-cost ways to offer virtual reality to my classroom.
In a paragraph, respond to the following scenario. You are integrating VR technology
into your classroom. A 25-year teaching veteran swears VR is just a gimmick. From
the readings, frame an argument to change his/her mind. Or argue the reasons you
agree with this person.
--- I can certainly understand that many applications or web tools can seem like a
gimmick. The truth is that technology is ever-evolving. In order to stay relevant to
your students, it is vital to explore digital options that may keep students more
engaged than ever before. Specifically with special education, there is research that
shows that virtual reality can help students who are autistic with cognition, social
skills and functioning (Kandalaft 2013). Virtual reality has the potential to make the

curriculum interactive and exploratory. VR also provides realistic opportunities for

students to discover a subject or a concept.