Virtual Reality in Education: Trends and Issues

Abstract

Computer-mediated learning is becoming an increasingly common form of education in institutions of higher learning (IHL). Many IHL in developing nations, such as Kenya, have greatly experienced an increase in demand for higher education. On the other hand, the ability to connect people with required sets of skills, regardless of their location in the world has been enabled by advances in information technology over the past 20 years. Use of virtual learning environment (VLE) has rapidly emerged as a very promising technology that will probably match the innovation of technologies such as multimedia/hypermedia. These VLEs have the potential to provide opportunities for active, flexible, and increasingly individualized learning experiences. It also explains virtual reality principle, describes the interactive educational environment, highlights the challenges higher education face in the traditional mode of delivery and discusses educational benefits of implementing virtual learning environments in IHL. The paper makes a number of recommendations for successful adoption of VLEs in higher education

Meaningful Learning Through Virtual Reality Learning Environments: A Case Study in Materials Engineering

“…In addition, other key aspects related to MSE have been investigated in a VRLE (e.g., crystal lattices [11,12], phase diagrams [13,14], nanomaterials [15,16], and materials manufacturing processes [17]). Several educational benefits of implementing virtual reality (VR) in MSE have been reported in the literature [4,18,19]. The most important of these benefits are related to the fact that VRLEs: (i) solve the shortcomings linked to overcrowded practical classes; (ii) provide a means to complement student learning experience, given the limited materials testing machine handling time per student in a traditional classroom or laboratory; (iii) offer high-quality visualizations which are not readily feasible in the traditional classroom; (iv) allow instructors to develop ad hoc didactic applications in the virtual environment for reinforcing acquired knowledge; (v) increase studentsé ngagement and motivation in almost any field of study by bringing them closer to a friendly and familiar environment; (vi) improve the quality of education in varied disciplines; (vii) help reduce the cost associated with modern laboratory classes; and (viii) decrease the potential risk of physical harm of students during the handling of real materials testing machines.…”

Go-Byar Based on Virtual Reality for the Learning Media of Gamelan

“…The fast growth and accessibility of low-cost technology has generated a wide interest in virtual reality [5]. Virtual Reality may give the opportunity for the education sector to apply it for efficient teaching and learning [6], [7] , in particular to provide learners with realistic learning experience.…”