BLOG 5 | TASK 2 - Virtual Reality in Education
- EDELAIDE RABI
- Apr 5, 2023
- 2 min read
The use of digital technologies in Education has experienced significant increase in recent years (Sharman, 2021) and determining the most appropriate technologies to achieve this goal can be difficult. Educators need to remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in their fields to identify the suitable technologies for their students.
Virtual Reality (VR) programs and software are a great way to enhance students' learning in the classroom. These programs use computer-generated simulation that users can interact with through the use of electronic equipment such as headsets and handsets.
One approach to incorporating VR in the classroom is through CoSpaces Edu, an online platform that allows students to create virtual worlds and experiences. CoSpaces Edu harnesses both AR (Augmented Reality) and VR capabilities specifically for K-12 instructional purposes (Matteson, 2019). Users can add various options of characters, items and effects to their virtual world for animation.
Figure 1: Adding objects to my 360 degree photo. (Original Author content. Rabi, 2023)
Additionally, Matteson (2019) outlines the following advantages and disadvantages with CoSpaces:
Advantages
- Easy transition for most students who are familiar with building 3D digital environments such as Minecraft, which was previously discussed in blog 3.
- Preloaded training space.
Disadvantages
- Limited access when using the free version.
- Pro version is expensive.
Figure 2: 360-degree photo finalised with added objects using CoSpaces. (Original Author content. Rabi, 2023)
What can we use CoSpaces for?
CoSpaces holds potential in various subjects, including History and Geography where students can recreate 3D models of historical scenes, such as Ancient Greece, or landscape models, allowing for an immersive experience as they walk through it from a 360-degree angle. Additionally, in Science, students can recreate and view molecules from different angles, providing an engaging and immersive experience.
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REFERENCES
Matteson, A. (2019, February 1). Explore AR/VR With CoSpaces Edu. Educators now have a powerful mixed reality platform to share with students. Login.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au. https://web-p-ebscohost-com.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=5a6e4551-6fc0-4150-97d3-e5c1f2b52e16%40redis
Sharman, J. (2021). Virtual reality in education. British Journal of Nursing, 30(22), 1270–1270. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.22.1270
Hi Edelaide,
Thanks for your post. CoSpaces is definitely a great technology to looks at, and has some really cool affordances.
It would be good to know what are the general benefits of VR experiences? I'd be worried that students would just want to do their own thing and focus on the novelty of using VR, instead of the actual learning intention for the experience. Is it worth it?
Thanks,
Sam D - 12.4.23
Hi Edelaide,
I enjoyed reading your post and thought CoSpaces was a really great choice of technology. From what I have read and the images you have includes, CoSpaces seems like it would really engage its students and allow for deeper learning.
I'm intrigued by the idea of having students design their 3D models based on key learning areas (KLAs). However, I'm curious to know how you would take this concept further. After the students have constructed their models, what further activities or projects would you suggest to maximize their learning outcomes?
Overall, your blog post and technology choice are exceptional!
- Jessica Steele 12/04/23
Hi Edelaide,
CoSpaces EDU sounds like a really cool VR technology and I really like how in your post you linked it back to a previous post, and how students can build upon that prior learning. The only thing I could add would be if you could describe how it worked a little better, as in do you need a VR headset to use it and if so that would in itself be a disadvantage due to equity reasons. Overall, your post is easy to read and informative on the context it can be used in. Great job!
Sarah Hattam
Hi Edelaide,
Thank you ones again for a nice blog :)
I like how you have used a 360 photo as an example of CoSpaces EDU. I think that would take this tool even further, especially when it comes to added immersion to the tool.
I would have like to see more focus on the health risks that comes with using VR, it is something I am a bit worried about as students can experience injuries and anxiety when using the tool. A really nice read :)
Pia Malmberg (10/04/23)