EdTech Insider

Virtual reality (VR) can be a powerful tool for educators to engage students and enhance their learning experiences. In the past, I have used VR with my students to take them on virtual field trips around the world. One application that we have found particularly useful is Google Earth VR (if you’re using the Quest, you’ll have to tether it to a computer, unfortunately), which allows students to explore different locations in great detail and interact with their surroundings in a way that is not possible through traditional methods. Imagine taking your students to Europe on a field trip!

For example, I have used Google Earth VR to take my students on a virtual tour of Athens. We were able to fly over the skyline and then drop into street view to walk the streets and visit famous historical sites such as the Agora or the Acropolis. My students were able to participate in a scavenger hunt, using screen shots to document learning as they explored the city.

One of the challenges of using VR in the classroom is the limited nature of the devices. In this particular case, we were working with a single Oculus Rift and had to share it among a large group of students. Despite this limitation, my students were extremely enthusiastic and even stayed in at lunch to continue their virtual field trip. Thankfully the screen mirrors what the VR user sees – so kids are able to take turns and complete activities like the scavenger hunt in partners.

Overall, the use of VR in education has the potential to transform the way students learn and experience the world around them. By immersing them in virtual environments and allowing them to interact with their surroundings in a more meaningful way, VR can help students engage with content in a way that is interactive, that they’ll never forget!

With the Oculus Quest 2 (or the Pro), the possibilities become endless! My next step is to consider how multiple devices can work (and detect each other) in the same space…