Virtual Reality in the Classroom for Immersive Learning Experiences

Courtesy of Eduporium 
https://www.eduporium.com/blog/eduporium-weekly-ar-and-vr-in-education/

In the last several years, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) has grown in popularity. What is AR and VR anyways? I must admit, I didn’t know the difference. According to Jan Snelling (2022), “Augmented reality (AR) layers and enhances reality. Think using your phone camera to translate a foreign language. Virtual reality (VR) creates its own reality that is disconnected form the real world.” This would be seeing a new space apart from the one you currently exist in with a device like a headset or phone.

Now, it’s important to note that these tools are not inclusively to entertain users! We can harness the power of these technologies to create dynamic learning environments. Research findings indicate that “VR or AR…must be seen as valid additions to the toolkit that may be used by libraries to engage its audience” and “such tools encourage higher levels of information literacy” (Massis, 2015, p. 796 & 798).

That’s all well and fabulous, but how do librarians begin to incorporate AR and VR? Frankly, it’s a pretty big range based on factors such as specific community needs and price (this tech can get awfully expensive when considering headsets, etc.). Because of what appears to be some ebb and flow in the world of AR and VR, I suggest taking it slow. For example, Google initially invested in VR with Expeditions that allowed teachers to transport students to different places around the world, but they pulled the plug because they didn’t see the payoff potential (Maxwell, 2020). However, many educators were very upset Google ditched the Expedition VR apps! Teachers and librarians saw the value of VR as a way to deepen students understanding of material.

What ever shall we do?! Is there something else out there to meet this need?

Well, yes, as a matter of fact, there is. A. Verweij (2021) reports ExpeditionsPro could be one of the best replacements. After doing some exploring of my own, I have to agree. ExpeditionsPro is a UK based company that offers free app services as well as a paid version with added offerings. For example, the paid version offers special content such as MEL Science (also lauded by Snelling (2022) in her top resources for bringing AR and VR into the classroom). This resource allows students to immerse themselves in science, such as getting up-close-and-personal with bonding molecules.

Click here to visit the ExpeditionsPro site.

I don’t know about you, but I love trying stuff for free. If I like it, then I’ll consider an investment. A librarian could have students test it out to make sure it is going to satisfy both students’ needs and the budget. So, this cost efficiency would be great for librarians just dipping their toes in the water of VR. Also, Verweij (2021) goes on to explain that, because ExpeditionsPro is web-based, it is perfect for both in-person and virtual learning.

 

For those who had content from Google’s original Expeditions and would like to transfer it over to the ExpeditionsPro platform, no problem! All the old content can be saved into the new. Just as the first app was built with educators in mind, ExpeditionsPro is tailored specifically for educators. Verweij (2021) explains “users can create, upload, edit and share content within the ExpeditionPro’s global community to provide a wide selection of content that is continuously evolving.” Also, the app houses a library has pre-made lesson plans, discussion starters, and assessment tools via the Q&A. “You can record students’ scores within the platform without additional steps to assigning lessons or recording grades” (Verweij, 2021). Lastly, if you are worried about transferability, ExpeditionsPro has got it covered. Their software is based on Unity, which means it can be used on various devices (phones, headsets, etc.). No extra equipment to be purchased, so you can save some much needed funds!

View the Video by Richard Byrne to learn more and see how ExpeditionsPro works.

The next step will be to get the teachers to use the tech. The students will probably be intrigued and what to learn with VR, but the staff might require some persuasion. According to Young (2020), “Limited staff knowledge of the VR system is not only a barrier in building content but a risk to a program’s sustainability.” So, if you plan on incorporating any kind of VR or AR into your program (including ExpeditionsPro), promote, promote, and promote it some more. Get those student’s involved, too. 

By including VR tools like ExpeditionPro into your library, you could potentially provide a more enriched learning experience for students by expanding their minds into the world outside of the classroom. I think this tool really helps level the playing field so to speak for students who lack background knowledge about certain places in the world.

I hope you found this content useful! 

Until next time...😀