5.5 Virtual Reality

     Before the research I completed this week I really had not thought of virtual reality in the classroom.  Although, I am working with a consortium of partners in higher education for the idea of putting health education on-line it just did not dawn on me that it was connected to virtual reality.  I did not realize the benefits it can give students until I saw for my- self the use of simulation labs and how it can enhance their understanding of real life situations.

     In the research I completed I found many sites that could enhance the learning of students.  Although I was not “for or against” virtual reality it was interesting to read that in the 90’s there was a high interest for virtual reality and then it did not move forward as some educators had anticipated.  I feel virtual reality is still in the beginning stages for quality use in education.  Many of our science instructors still believe that science should be hands on in the lab to be affective in a students learning. 

     I personally now believe that virtual reality can benefit education and enhance the learning of all students.  It is important to understand the social and psychological affects that virtual reality can have on a student if it is not done with clear objectives and strict standards in place.  I also think virtual reality sites should be limited at the younger ages and be very structured.  As students get into the middle, high school and higher education, virtual reality can expand the boundaries of learning for students.

     There are so many issues that instructors have to deal with concerning the safety and wellbeing of its students.  I would advise school administrators and instructors to have a well thought out plan before virtual reality is used in the classroom. There are so many sites it could be over whelming for instructors to find safe and affective technology tools.  They should rely on credible sites created by other instructors or those sites that the developers collaborated with educators to create the tools.   

     I think the pros and the possibilities out- weigh the negative issues for the use of virtual reality in education.  With anything new there is going to be a learning curve but it should not be at the expense of the safety or wellbeing of the students. I personally would want to be aware of the best ways that virtual reality can be integrated into the classroom.