Moving from Chalk-and-Talk to Experiential Learning

The concept of "involvement principle" suggests that students achieve optimal learning outcomes when they actively participate and engage in the learning process, rather than passively receiving information. Traditionally, involving students in learning experiences meant using interactive and collaborative learning techniques- students can work together to solve problems, discuss ideas, or complete projects together. Also, encouraging students to ask questions and participate in class discussions that helped them stay engaged and involved in the learning process.?

While the above-mentioned techniques can help students understand and learn more effectively, it may not be enough to fully grasp a subject. It is crucial for students to apply what they learn to truly comprehend a subject. However, there are some obstacles that make experiential learning difficult for students. These challenges include the cost of physical assets needed for on-premises learning, the ability to scale up to cater to all students, maintenance of the assets, and some potentially hazardous situations associated with experiments. These issues have made educational institutions hesitant to pursue experiential learning.?

The Potential of Virtual Reality in Education

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) in education can revolutionize students' learning experiences by providing immersive and engaging experiences. This technology helps students to better understand and retain information by offering hands-on experiences in a controlled environment. While the cost and logistics of providing these experiences have been a barrier for educational institutions, recent advances in VR technology are making it more accessible. The benefits of using VR in education are numerous, from experiential learning to safe experimentation. A report by Global Market Insights has estimated that the global VR in education market will reach $46.14 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 40.2%, highlighting the increasing interest and investment in VR for educational purposes. This growth is driven by the fact that VR offers numerous advantages over traditional learning methods. Additionally, several Edtech surveys have revealed that VR in education can lead to increased collaboration and teamwork among students, as well as better critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Along with the cognitive benefits, VR in education has also shown promising results in terms of practical learning outcomes.?

With the advances made in the Virtual Reality world, now it is possible to provide the students with a platform that helps them to understand the concepts by first hand experience. This will help them to internalize the study materials and understand the impact of the various stimuli on the environment under study without any worries about the cost of scaling. For example, VR could be used to simulate lab experiments in science, or to allow students to visit and explore historical sites or landmarks, in the confines of their classroom or home.?

Some top benefits of using VR technology in education-?

• Freedom to experiment with different parameters of the components?
• All the 3D models can be used again and again (reusable) without getting damaged??
• Easy to use and interactive?
• Students can understand the cause-and-effect relationship easily as they can observe the response of the system to various stimuli?
• It is safe to use as it would not cause any harm to the students. For example, even if the blub bursts or even if a short circuit takes place, it won’t harm the students?
• Enhance tacit knowledge through experimentation?

In conclusion, the integration of Virtual Reality in education is a promising development that has the potential to enhance the learning experience for students. As VR technology continues to advance and become more accessible, we can expect to see a growing interest and investment in this area. The potential of VR in education is immense, and it is high time that we explore the avenue to realize the benefits to the fullest.?