Virtual reality (VR) has recently been gaining traction as a tool for kids to learn, explore, and have fun. With the help of this immersive technology, children can experience learning in a completely different way. Through virtual reality, children can explore their surroundings, interact with objects and people, and even travel through time.
As technology continues to evolve, educators and parents alike are beginning to explore the possibilities of virtual reality as a tool to help kids learn. With its ability to increase engagement and provide an immersive educational experience, many believe that virtual reality could be the future of education. From virtual field trips to video game-like simulations, virtual reality is providing exciting new ways to educate and engage children of all ages.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual Reality is an artificial environment that can be explored and interacted with through a computer-generated simulation. By wearing a special VR headset and headset-connected motion-sensing controllers, you can explore a simulated environment as if you were actually there. Virtual reality technology is advancing rapidly, and different types of VR devices are available for many different uses.
While VR devices vary in terms of their capabilities, they all allow users to engage in simulated experiences that feel as real as the real world.
VR devices can be used in many different environments, such as in medical settings, tourism, education, gaming, and research. The VR headsets are equipped with a screen that sits in front of the eyes to create an immersive environment. The devices also track the user’s head movements in order to adjust what the wearer sees to match the direction they are looking. This allows the wearer to explore the simulated environment as if they were actually there.
What is the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)?
The terms “virtual reality” and “augmented reality” (AR) have been used interchangeably in the past, but they’re actually very different concepts. Augmented reality is not a completely computer-generated experience; it’s a live view of the real world that has been modified by computer graphics. “Virtual reality,” on the other hand, is a completely computer-generated experience that’s designed to replace reality altogether.
In other words, VR is focused on creating a completely artificial experience, while AR is more focused on modifying the real world by adding digital elements to it. Because of these different focuses, VR and AR are often used for very different purposes, though they can both be used to create immersive and engaging experiences.
Benefits of VR for kids
VR is a highly engaging form of technology that can help kids become more engaged in the learning process. With its ability to give users a simulated experience, VR has the potential to allow kids to almost entirely immerse themselves in a learning experience. This can help kids become more engaged in the learning process, which is important since engagement is often a major factor in determining how well a child retains information. Engagement is also a key factor in determining how much effort and time kids put into their education – the more engaged a child is in an activity, the more likely it is that they will spend time on it.
VR can be used to simulate real-life experiences that otherwise might be difficult to engage children with. For example, virtual field trips, simulations of historical events, and VR video games are all ways that VR could be used to engage children in the learning process.
Examples of VR in education
Virtual reality can be used for more than just entertainment. With its ability to create an entirely simulated environment, VR can be used to simulate a variety of real-life situations – ranging from field trips to even the experience of living in another time period.
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Virtual field trips
VR can be used to simulate field trips, allowing children to explore locations as if they were actually there. This allows kids to engage with their learning in a way that wouldn’t be possible in real life, such as exploring the inside of a volcano or the bottom of a lake.
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Simulation of historical events
VR can be used to simulate historical events, allowing children to learn about what happened in a more engaging way. This could include allowing children to explore the Titanic as it sank, or experience the bombing of Pearl Harbor as if they were there.
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Time travel
VR can be used to transport children to different time periods – allowing them to experience life in the past. This could include allowing kids to hear what it was like living during the Civil War or even explore life in ancient Rome.
Application of VR technology in Various Fields
VR has applications that vary from health care, education, lifestyle, travel, to marketing and sports, and gaming.
Health Care:
Virtual Reality is being used to help patients with anxiety and pain management, rehabilitation and mental health issues. VR can be used to provide physical therapy to kids with disabilities or injuries, helping them to improve their mobility and coordination.
Education:
VR is being used to create interactive and immersive lessons that allow students to explore their surroundings and learn about the world around them.
Lifestyle:
VR is used to transform a home into an immersive entertainment experience.
Travel:
Travelers can use VR to explore new places without having to leave home.
Marketing:
VR is used to create immersive brand experiences that allow users to engage with products like never before.
Sports and Gaming:
VR is used to create realistic simulations in sports, and to create immersive gaming experiences.
Art and creativity:
VR can be used to create virtual art studios or galleries where kids can experiment with different art styles and techniques.
Social and Emotional Learning:
VR can be used to create virtual environments where kids can practice social and emotional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
How VR can help kids learn
- VR can be used to simulate real-life experiences that otherwise might be difficult to engage children with. This can allow kids to explore topics in a way that is more engaging and exciting, which can help them retain more information.
- VR also has the potential to allow kids to experience and explore topics that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to. This can open up new ways of learning, and allow children to gain new perspectives that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
- VR can be used to create a completely simulated environment, which can allow children to explore topics in a completely different way. With its ability to create an entirely simulated environment, VR can be used to explore topics that might otherwise be difficult to engage children with.
- VR can also allow kids to experience things that are difficult to experience in real life, such as extreme weather conditions, or even the human body.
VR used by Tech Giants
There has been an increasing demand for Virtual reality content creators in recent times. Following the increasing popularity and demand for VR, major tech giants such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon have started investing heavily in developing content for VR.
- Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion.
- Google has partnered with various brands to create VR content.
- Apple has also been reported to be working on VR technology.
- Amazon has also been reported to be working on developing VR content.
These tech giants are trying to make VR technology mainstream by investing heavily in developing content for VR users. With VR taking the attention of the tech giants, it is expected to gain more popularity in the coming years.
The future of VR in education
Virtual reality has recently been gaining traction as a tool for kids to learn, explore, and have fun. As technology continues to advance and evolve, we can expect to see more and more virtual reality tools being used in the educational system – providing exciting new ways to explore topics, engage kids in their education, and have fun along the way. The future of VR in education is bright. VR has the potential to become the future of education, allowing kids to engage with their lessons.
Tools for Creating Virtual Reality for Kids
VR for kids can be created in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of VR content you want to create, you can choose from several different options.
Software
If you’re creating a simple VR experience, you can do so by using free or low-cost software designed for VR content creation. Some examples include Google Cardboard, Microsoft Mixed Reality, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR.
Headsets
Headsets are the most common ways of experiencing VR. They work by immersing users in a computer-generated world. Headsets are available in both tethered and untethered models.
Controllers
Controllers are devices that allow a person to interact with and manipulate computer-generated objects and environments.
Cameras
Cameras are used to capture images, which are then converted into computer-generated scenes that can be experienced through VR headsets.
Augmented Reality
AR is a technology that superimposes computer-generated images and information over a real-life environment.
Experience VR technology with your kids
There are several virtual reality (VR) tools that may be suitable for kids. Some options to consider include:
- Google Expeditions: This is a free VR app that allows kids to explore a variety of virtual field trips and virtual reality experiences. It is available for Android and iOS devices.
- CoSpaces Edu: This is a VR platform for creating and sharing immersive experiences. It is designed for educators and students and offers a range of educational VR experiences.
- Minecraft VR: This is a VR version of the popular block-building game It is available for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
SkoolOfCode’s 3D game development course teaches kids how to build a VR experience while creating 3D games using block/text-based programming. This course is designed to help kids learn the basics of game development and programming in a fun and interactive way. Through the use of programming, kids can easily create and customize their own 3D games and VR experiences without the need for complex code. The course also covers important concepts such as game design, 3D modeling, and virtual reality technology. By the end of the course, kids will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to create their own 3D games and VR experiences from start to finish.
They help them with the 21st century while enjoying building and playing games.
The course may be suitable for your child who is interested in learning about VR technology and game development. It may be helpful for students to have some previous experience with coding or a strong interest in the subject in order to get the most out of the course.
Conclusion
Virtual reality is a technology that has been around for years, but it has only recently become accessible and affordable to the masses. Virtual reality is an immersive computer-generated experience that allows users to interact with computer-generated worlds and environments with which they cannot interact in real life. With the increasing popularity of VR, major tech giants such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon have started investing heavily in developing content for VR users.
Give your child an opportunity to learn a 3D game development course and explore the world of virtual reality (VR). SkoolofCode offers a range of coding for kids programs, including 3D gaming using block-based and text-based coding with built-in VR experience.
SkoolOfCode is offering a trial class for their 3D gaming development course, which is designed to introduce kids to the basics of game development and VR technology.
I think this could be a great opportunity for your kids to learn new skills, have fun, and experience the exciting possibilities of VR. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
By – Ms. Manpreet Virk, Head of E-learning and an educator at SkoolofCode with degree in M.Phil. and Master in Computer Science. She is passionate about learning and teaching young minds.