With virtual and augmented reality becoming more accessible than ever before, the traditional classroom experience can be transformed to enhance engagement, interactivity, and access to educational resources. Can you imagine providing your students with these experiences:
Virtual Reality Field Trips: Virtual Reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Learning about the pyramids of Egypt, the secret annex where Anne Frank once lived, or want to visit the International Space Station? Taking students to historical sites and famous landmarks with a VR headset can transport students to places they wouldn’t have the opportunity to visit physically, making learning more engaging and memorable.
Augmented Reality Interactive Learning: Augmented Reality (AR) a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. Learning about colonial life in New Amsterdam, or what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the earth? Educators can use AR to create interactive lessons such as 3D models of complex concepts to create an immersive learning environment for students.
Language Learning: Go on a walking tour in a different country, and practice your foreign language conversational skills. AR can assist language learners by providing real-time translations of signs, texts, or objects in foreign languages. This helps students practice and improve their language skills in authentic situations.
Virtual Guest Speakers and Experts: Bring experts and guest speakers from around the world into the classroom through video conferencing or virtual meeting platforms. Students can interact with professionals in various fields, enabling them to gain valuable insights and perspectives beyond their local community.
Virtual Labs and Simulations: Use virtual lab environments and simulations for science and technical subjects. These virtual experiences can provide a safe and cost-effective way for students to perform experiments, practice skills, and explore complex concepts that may not be feasible or safe in a physical laboratory setting.
By incorporating virtual and augmented technology into the classroom, educators can create more dynamic, immersive, and personalized learning experiences, preparing students for the challenges of the digital age. Until this technology is at your fingertips, however, these 40 virtual tour experiences are a wonderful complement to learning objectives — no permission slips required.