BTR820

Virtual Reality & Education

This is a blog that contains my sources, images, videos etc that I will be using for my final research paper.

Topic Overview:

Virtual Reality is a term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. The person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions. Virtual reality, a new emerging computer technology, has incredible potential in the education field. Virtual Reality has multiple applications in education in which it can be applied.

Many educational institutions are using Virtual Reality in a multitude of ways such as virtual field trips, content creation, special education etc. In today’s society, we have many different kinds of learners. There are students that learn easily by reading tons of texts. However, there are also students that learn much better with visuals. With a capacity to create immersive three-dimensional environments, VR is changing the way teachers deliver lessons and the way students learn. (Gordon Lamont) Aside from VR’s practical effects on the classroom, virtual reality technology promises to change the way education itself is accessed and delivered to thousands of students across the world. (Gordon Lamont)

Virtual Reality is still in the early stages. It needs to be researched and improved upon since it’s very exciting and has major potential. There are a couple of challenges to getting Virtual Reality to be implemented in educational institutions. Getting educators to notice its major educational value will be one of its major milestones. Virtual Reality technology has the capability to make complex data accessible, enjoyable, and easy to learn. (Josh McAllister)

The purpose of my research paper will be showcasing the connection between virtual reality and education. In addition:

1.     Explain its potential

2.     Explain its challenges

3.     Its impact upon education

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Potential Research Questions:

1.     How does Virtual Reality correlate with education in improving a user’s learning experience?

2.    How can we tailor the various VR applications to the various student levels?

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In the video below Maya Georgieva and Emory Craig talk about what VR can do for students and faculty.

This video introduces some of the greatest software and hardware available for Virtual Reality, and explore its learning potential for the future generations.

This video shares how Virtual Reality introduces unique challenges for interface design and opens up incredible opportunities for the future of art, journalism, and education.

This video talks about the future of virtual reality technology.

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Academic Sources:

Committee on Virtual Reality Research Development, N., Durlach, N., & Mavor, A. (1995). Virtual reality scientific and technological challenges. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

Fowler, Chris. (2015). Virtual Reality and Learning: Where Is the Pedagogy? British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(2), 412-422.

Meredith Bricken. 1991. Virtual reality learning environments: potentials and challenges. SIGGRAPH Comput. Graph. 25, 3 (July 1991), 178-184. DOI=http://dx.doi.org/10.1145/126640.126657

Oyelude, Adetoun A. "Virtual and Augmented Reality in Libraries and the Education Sector." Library Hi Tech News 34.4 (2017): 1-4. ProQuest. Web. 13 June 2018.

"Park: Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality Education." UWIRE Text, 19 Apr. 2018, p. 1. Academic OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A535333358/AONE?
u=king56371&sid=AONE&xid=81797874. Accessed 13 June 2018.

Stewart, Barbara, Hutchins, Holly M., Ezell, Shirley, De Martino, Darrell, & Bobba, Anil. (2010). Mitigating Challenges of Using Virtual Reality in Online Courses: A Case Study. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 47(1), 103-113.

Virtual and augmented reality in libraries and the education sector. (2017). Library Hi Tech News, 34(4), 1-4.

Media Sources:

Lamont, Gordon. ‘Virtual Reality in Education: Changing Expectations, Opportunities, Accessibility, & More’, EmergingEdTech, https://www.emergingedtech.com/2017/11/virtual-reality-education-changing-expectations-opportunities-accessibility/ 14 November 2017

McAllister, Josh. ‘Virtual Reality in Education – Where Are We and What’s Next?’ EmergingEdTech, https://www.emergingedtech.com/2017/07/virtual-reality-in-education-where-are-we-and-whats-next/ 25 July 2017

Park: Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality Education. (2018, April 19). UWIRE Text, p. 1.