Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive computer-generated experience. Computers can generate environments to simulate the feeling of real life and we can be part of these environments. This allows us to experience things that otherwise may be impossible. Whether you want to sing on stage with Ed Sheeran or Kanye, travel through the digestive system, or visit Mars, VR can make it possible. This makes VR incredibly powerful within the classroom. As teachers, we can help our students experience new and "impossible" things. We can be part of the stories we explore in Reading as we enter the "physical" setting. We can experience Science first-hand as we enter the human body. We can even take them to visit the ancient and mysterious places we discuss in Social Studies. You may ask, "How can we do these things? It seems hard." However, it is far easier than you would expect. Many of the experiences I discussed already exist and are available for free. Applications like Google Expeditions, Discovery VR, YouTube360, Nearpod, and many others offer easy to use VR experiences. These types of experiences are useful on any device as they offer deep exploration. However, things change completely whenever we access them on a smart phone and utilize a VR headset. Headsets allow for the full immersion experience to occur. Virtual reality headwear makes the wearer feel as if they are truly in the environment. As they move, so does the image they are viewing. VR Application Many of the experiences I discussed in the previous paragraphs are available through Nearpod. To utilize these resources all you need to do is visit their site and create a free account. Once you are logged in you will be taken to a homepage, where you will have the options to Explore or Create. I would recommend checking out the Explore Tab first, there are many presentation options for all subjects and grades. If you can not find what you are looking for, navigate to the Create Page. Here, you can create personalized presentations that can include regular PowerPoint style slides, simulations, Web content, quizzes, surveys, and games. All of these tools help engage students in learning and can create a fun learning experience. However, my favorite part of Nearpod presentations is the ability to add Virtual Field trips. These are simulations of amazing places that many students will learn about or want to visit. They are easy to add. Just click Add Slide, Add Content, then Virtual Field Trip. You can search their extensive library to find almost any destination for free. This is incredible because you can let students explore many places they may never have the opportunity to visit. Virtual field trips are especially meaningful when working with students from lower income areas. These types of students may have never been given the opportunity to venture anywhere unlike their home. You can help them "travel" for a relatively low cost. You can buy a VR headset for around $10 and utilize free software to create a life changing experience. Example For the example I am going to share with you, I took the approach of a virtual field trip. I extended the QR Lesson I discussed in my last post about earthly land forms. In that lesson, we learned about types of landforms, including valleys, plateaus, hills, mountains, loess, and glaciers. To extend the lesson, we took a virtual trip to specific examples of these land forms from around the world using Nearpod. In addition to visiting these locations, we learned about facts from each one. We began by reviewing the types of land forms from the same resource we used the first time. I added this to the presentation using the add Web Content option. This is nice because it opens directly to the site, so students are not freely roaming the Internet. After choosing the specific locations we were going to visit, I researched each and put the information into a PowerPoint that I uploaded into the presentation. To finish the lesson, I included questions to gauge understanding and reflect on the lesson. Once the lesson was finished, I shared the link to the presentation with the students. This opened Nearpod directly and they just had to type in the code generated for the presentation. Nearpod helps to make lessons fun and engaging. However, if you are still worried about students doing other things on their devices, you can lock their screens to the presentation. You can check out my presentation here
Support for VR in the Classroom
Virtual reality use within the classroom is supported by the Danielson Framework. Specifically, VR engages students in learning (Component 3D) to help them develop a better understanding of the material. When the students understand the material better, they can answer questions higher within Bloom's Taxonomy (Component 3B). The ISTE Standards support VR as it creates students who are digital citizens, empowered learners, and innovative designers. Similarly, teachers can display their knowledge of the ISTE Standards for Teachers as they model digital age work and learning, as well as facilitate student learning and creativity. Virtual reality is a prime example of the Redefinition stage of the SAMR Model, as it allows students to experience learning in an entirely new and innovative way. Conclusion Virtual reality offers a sensory rich and memorable learning experience. You can allow students to explore new places and experience in an episodic manner. Just remember to supply your students with a "road map" so they know what to be looking for throughout the lesson. Then, "unpack" the lesson afterwards to help students reflect upon and review the content to which they were exposed. If possible, give them a "souvenir" to help them remember their experience.
References
Bale Mountain Lodge. (2017). Balemountainlodge.com. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from http://www.balemountainlodge.com/ Danielson, C. (2011). The Danielson Group. The Framework for Teacher Evaluation Instrument. Retrieved from: http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/danielson_rubric_32.pdf Death Valley | region, California, United States. (2017). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 5 November 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Death-Valley#toc1761 Hays, J. (2017). SHANXI PROVINCE (Datong, Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao) | Facts and Details. Factsanddetails.com. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from http://factsanddetails.com/china/cat15/sub10 ISTE | Standards For Students . (2017). Iste.org. Retrieved 11 November 2017, from https://www.iste.org/standards/for-students Mount Edith Cavell in Alberta | Expedia.co.uk. (2017). Expedia.com. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Edith-Cavell-Alberta.d6072345.Vacation-Attraction Nearpod. (2017). App.nearpod.com. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from https://app.nearpod.com/library?or=3 Landforms: Face of the Earth. (2017). Edu.pe.ca. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/landforms.htm Lithuania | history - geography. (2017). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 6 November 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania SAS Search Standards. Retrieved November 06, 2017, from https://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Search Svartisen – Norway’S Second Largest Glacier." Visithelgeland.com. N. p., 2013. Web. 6 Nov. 2017. Walsh, K. (2015). 8 Examples of Transforming Lessons Through the SAMR Cycle | Emerging Education Technologies. Emergingedtech.com. Retrieved 11 November 2017, from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2015/04/examples-of-transforming-lessons-through-samr/ What is virtual reality? - A simple introduction. (2017). Explain that Stuff. Retrieved 11 November 2017, from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/virtualreality
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