What is Virtual Reality?
The concept of virtual reality was first introduced in 1935 by Stanley Weinbaum through his science fiction story, "Pygmalion's Spectacles". The story displayed a pair of goggles that transported the protagonist to a fictional world, stimulating his senses with holographic recordings. Since then, virtual reality technology has undergone significant advancements over the years. Today, technology has revolutionized the way we learn and has made the unimaginable possible. (Benard, 2023) Virtual reality is a type of medium, similar to other forms of human communication. To truly grasp the potential of VR as a tool for exploring and communicating ideas, it is important to consider how it compares to other types of media. In fact, VR shares many traits with traditional media, especially those it has evolved from. It is crucial for developers and users of VR to understand these fundamental aspects of the medium they are working with. (Sherman and Craig, 2002)
Why Introduce VR to a Broken System?
In the year 2000, a mainstream study conducted by researcher Alessandro Antonietti and his team proved that Virtual Reality (VR) could be beneficial for learning. The study involved children who were given a virtual tour of a complex painting using VR headsets. After examining all aspects of the painting, the children who used VR were better able to describe it compared to the non-VR using control group. As contemporary VR headsets began to emerge in 2010, their integration in schools became more widespread. (Daily, 2022) Virtual reality helps education by creating immersive lessons that are engaging, memorable and impactful for students. These VR experiences improve learning outcomes and help students build important interpersonal skills such as empathy, collaboration, and social skills needed for the future. Motivation is crucial for education. Keeping students engaged is a success. Motivation to learn is promoted when learners anticipate and experience satisfying outcomes to a learning task. (keller and Deimann, pg.81, 2007)
Potential Impact on Children with Special Needs
Special educational needs is a legal term used to describe children who have difficulties with learning due to disabilities or learning problems that make it harder for them to learn than other children their age. VR/AR technology creates inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs, including those with disabilities. Students with sensory processing disorders such as autism often struggle with sensory overload in traditional classrooms. Loud noises and bright lights can cause anxiety and distraction. With the help of VR/AR technology, teachers can create virtual classrooms that cater to each student's individual needs, providing a peaceful and distraction-free environment that encourages learning. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology have the potential to revolutionize education by simulating real-world scenarios. This enables students to practice and develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment. This is especially beneficial for students with physical disabilities who may face challenges accessing certain environments like laboratories or outdoor spaces. Educators can leverage VR/AR technology to design virtual simulations of real-life environments, enabling students to explore and learn in ways that would be otherwise impossible. There are several instances where VR/AR technology has proven to be successful in educating students with disabilities.
What are the Advantages of Virtual Reality in Education?
Improve your memory and increase your ability to retain knowledge.
Improve enthusiasm and involvement in the classroom.
Enhance the results of the learning process.
Focus the students' attention on the lesson.
Open up new opportunities and make education accessible for every student.
We are enhancing comprehension of intricate and theoretical topics.
Develop your emotional intelligence by increasing your awareness and understanding of your emotions and those of others.
Enhance your abilities to communicate and collaborate effectively.
How can VR help students with Autism and ADHD?
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurological disorder that affects social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and results in repetitive behaviors. People with autism often feel a disconnect between their body and mind, which can cause discomfort. However, some students with autism have reported that using virtual reality helps them to feel more in control and connected. Over the past twenty years, there has been a significant emphasis on studying the implementation of virtual reality (VR) technologies in the education of children with autism. (Cabana, 2022) Technology enables children to practice social skills in a safe, controlled, and repeatable virtual environment, simulating real-world experiences. (Cabana, 2022) Motivation to learn is promoted when a learner's curiosity is aroused due to a perceived gap in current knowledge. (Keller and Deimann, pg.80, 2007)
Furthermore, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually first diagnosed in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Children with ADHD may face difficulties in paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (they may act without thinking about the consequences), or may be overly active. (CDC, 2023) A child with ADHD might:
daydream a lot
forget or lose things a lot
squirm or fidget
talk too much
make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
have a tough time resisting temptation
have trouble taking turns
have difficulty getting along with others
ADHD students get distracted very quickly; that is where virtual reality learning kicks in. Virtual Reality helps kids learn to concentrate better. Virtual reality technology can create an interactive world, using computer-generated sensory perceptions to make children feel like they are in the real world. The child's brain interprets the surroundings as if they are present and responds realistically. This technology is especially powerful for children with ADHD, as they benefit from immediate and multi-sensory feedback, high levels of stimulation, and point-of-performance consequences. With effective virtual reality, a child's behavior in the virtual world receives immediate and realistic responses.
There are several ways that VR might be effective in helping kids with ADHD.
Holds their attention – The immersive environment of VR means it can sustain the attention of the child. It provides a higher level of stimulation to hold their interest. (Master, 2019)
A safe way to fail when trying new tasks – VR can provide a safe, private environment where kids can more easily accept feedback, learn using trial, and error instructional strategies. (Master, 2019)
Reward features – VR can use specific game scenarios that reward the application of skills such as response inhibition and emotional control and offer chances to practice delaying gratification and moderating impulsive behavior. (Master, 2019)
Conclusion
Virtual reality has the potential to help many students overcome various barriers to learning. It is a rapidly developing technology and is expected to become even more efficient over time. In a couple of years, many schools are likely to have VR in their classrooms, which will make learning easier for students. The latest trends regarding the use of VR technology in schools show that it can have a transformative impact on education. The use of VR technology has resulted in positive outcomes by enhancing engagement, enriching content comprehension, and improving academic performance. Educational institutions have started to recognize these benefits, leading to an increase in its adoption rates. Considering it is essential for schools to incorporate VR into their curriculum to give their students a competitive edge in this digitally advanced era. The future classroom will be more than just four walls; it will be an immersive virtual space that will take education to new heights.
References
Barnard, D. (2023, June 14). History of VR - timeline of events and Tech Development. VirtualSpeech. https://virtualspeech.com/blog/history-of-vr
Cabana, Ana (2022, June 30). The benefits of virtual reality applied to people with autism. Amelia Virtual Care. https://ameliavirtualcare.com/the-benefits-of-virtual-reality-applied-to-people-with-autism-2/#:~:text=1.,)%20controlled%2C%20repeatable%20and%20safe.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 27). What is ADHD?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
Sherman, W. R., & Craig, A. B. (2002, September). Understanding virtual reality. O’Reilly. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128009659/understanding-virtual-reality
Daily, C. (2022, March 10). All about the history of virtual reality in Education. agile meridian. https://www.agilemeridian.com/blog/all-about-the-history-of-virtual-reality-in-education#:~:text=Children%20were%20given%20a%20virtual,in%20schools%20became%20more%20widespread.
Developer, A. (2022, August 16). Advantages of virtual reality in Education. ClassVR. https://www.classvr.com/blog/advantages-of-virtual-reality-in-education/
(pp. 78-84). New York, NY: Pearson.
Keller, J.M and Deimann, M. (2018). Motivation, Volition, and Performance. In R. A. Reiser & J. V. Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th ed.)
Masters, T. (2019, April 19). Could virtual reality be effective for the treatment of ADHD in children?. Edge Foundation. https://edgefoundation.org/virtual-reality-and-the-treatment-of-adhd-in-children/
YouTube. (2016, September 20). Virtual reality could help teens deal with social anxiety, ADHD, and more | today. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpC3f0G0RX0&list=PLtn0BmKkYRTh8chCLE_4pbf3sNJLHPfTg&index=24
YouTube. (2017, June 21). Beyond the frame: The new classroom. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGGVYT0cMHg
YouTube. (2018, January 16). Short history of virtual reality. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV8eUb7bm3Q
YouTube. (2019, February 21). Using virtual reality to help kids with autism | freethink superhuman. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n87yaF37QEc
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 27). What is ADHD?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
YouTube. (2019b, April 16). Virtual reality used in ADHD study at UC Davis Health. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwWxTbV7orM&list=PLtn0BmKkYRTh8chCLE_4pbf3sNJLHPfTg&index=23
YouTube. (2022, November 23). CGI UK | helping special educational needs students safely navigate new experiences. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X93sCtXcT7c&t=3s
Curiosity:
An exceptional learner, driven by an insatiable curiosity, can greatly benefit from the immersive experiences provided by virtual reality (VR). VR technology creates interactive, three-dimensional environments that can simulate real-world scenarios or entirely fantastical realms, thus opening up a plethora of learning opportunities. For a curious mind, VR can transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making complex subjects like quantum physics, ancient history, or even the microscopic world of biology, more accessible and engaging. This immersion not only enhances understanding but also stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the ability to explore at one's own pace and revisit challenging concepts without the constraints of a traditional classroom setting can foster a deeper, more personalized learning experience. In essence,…
Learning Tasks and Performances
Virtually would likely be the best way for students to engage, learn, and develop. When students experience the actual technology from the virtual reality systems the outcome would be different providing various outcomes. Knowledge, skill, and altitude create better performances. Once the student performs from motivation the extrinsic methods change the student's learning control. (deCharms, R. (1968).(Harlow, H. F. (1953).
Self Regulatory Intentions
Despite it is up to the student to learn and from motivation. Virtual Reality can provide better intentions and self-development. Kuhl, J., & Kraska, K. (1989). The learner…
Motivation Tied to Goals
Virtual Reality is not new, but it seems to come in phases and was really big in my school about five years ago. At the last FETC conference, here in Orlando, Virtual Reality was one of the top resources that was discussed. I oversee the special programs office, where we create plans for students who have disabilities or medical needs. All of my students who have IEPs that work on their weaknesses and the ones who have EPs for their strengths all have goals. Using Virtual Reality to work on their goals can be a way for students to have relevant and authentic lessons tied to their needs and goals. Since the students can have personalized…
The wonder verse
The graphics card systems that Metaverse uses are subjected to Adobe Creative Captivate and Adobe Photoshop/Reader. The coding is not the same pthyn graphics movements that use only virtual elements. Somehow the metaverse system is used by Apple's method of standard in operation for their very own virtual elements. I am not trying to steal their Meta Verse operating system. But. I have to know how they develop their virtual reality customs by providing Adobe photosystems on steroids.
I had no idea that Virtual reality was ever thought of since 1935; holy cow. It amazes me to see that technology advances itself through periods. Simply innovation is the key. In my time during the classrooms growi…
Thank you for sharing your findings on virtual reality and its potential use in ASD treatment. It is incredibly encouraging that virtual reality may be able to help learners with disabilities experience, practice, and learn new things in a safe space. Virtual reality may be able to help these learners feel safe while they try a new activity through a repeatable simulation. As a teacher I had several students over the years that had learning disabilities and this concept would have been incredibly beneficial for them to try. While researching this topic I found an interesting education journal article that confirms that learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder can benefit from this type of virtual reality therapy. This therapy helped with…