Session IX ： Virtuality

With the rapid development of society and technological progress, various technologies promote the development of various industries in the people’s daily lives. Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive, interactive simulation wherein the user feels like interacting with an environment that can be either realistic or imaginary. (Bansal, 2003) VR applied to the field of education as well. Because of the interactive, immersive, reliable and low-loss, it plays an increasingly important role in the field of education. VR is need for modernization of education, education reform and cultivation of innovative talents. Applied virtual reality technology in education, the effect is the following three points.

⑴ Improve learning motivation and stimulate learning interest

Traditional teaching is mainly through the sensory stimulation of two-dimensional plane, such as books, paper, and blackboard and so on. However, VR technology creates a virtual three-dimensional space to stimulate students’ interest and motivation, and promotes external motivation change into internal motivation.

⑵ Improve students’ hands-on ability

Under the situation of education reform, more and more schools and teachers focus on student’s hands-on ability. Some experimental class also has attracted increasing attention. However, under the constraints of the economic, geographical and climatic conditions, many lessons cannot be done in reality. Therefore, VR can simulate the real environment, and lead students to learn and explore. Besides, it can repeat operations to achieve reinforcement, and timely feedback.

⑶ Virtual reality technology is beneficial to carry out situational learning.

Immersive VR allows students to explore, engage, and visualize schoolwork in a powerful new way. (Brian 1999) VR technology uses graphics, sound and image to reconstruct realistic circumstances. The use of virtual reality technology can virtually build the learning condition similar to the real environment, such as virtual physics and chemistry laboratory.

Reference:

Bansal, M. (2003). Medical Informatics: A Primer. Tat McGraw-Hill Education

Brian, F. (1999). Using technology to enhance classroom interaction: A review of the literature.