Simulations and Virtual Reality
Virtual reality and simulations can be, but do not have to be, games. Virtual reality and simulations offer two very distinct approaches to hands on learning. While virtual reality is always a technology enhanced experience, simulations do not have to involve technology. Airplane pilots use simulators to help practice safely landing planes in dangerous circumstances, while middle school social studies teachers use candy to help solidify taxation without representation. Virtual reality allows the learners to manipulate experiences that are too expensive, or too elaborate, to bring directly to the classroom. The possibilities are endless with two unique approaches to classroom learning.
Outcomes
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- define virtual reality
- define simulation
- explain the differences in virtual reality and simulation
- implement virtual reality and simulation in the classroom.
Selected Readings
Required
- This Virtual Lab Will Revolutionize Science Class, Michael Bodekaer
TEDxTalks (n.d.). Michael Bodekkaer this virtual lab will revolutionize science class. Retrieved August 10, 2017, from https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_bodekaer_this_virtual_lab_will_revolutionize_science_class - Simulations Engage Students in Active Learning, Max Fischer
Fischer, M. (n.d.). Simulations engage students in active learning. Retrieved August 10, 2017, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr391.shtml - Virtual Reality and K-12 Education. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from: https://www.k12blueprint.com/sites/default/files/RealityBytes.pdf
Recommended:
- None
“To Do” List
Discussions
Virtual Reality in The Classroom
Michael Bodekaer stresses the importance of teacher buy in, and the need for teachers to incorporate virtual reality into their teaching, noting that the teacher is the true game changer. How might you implement virtual reality into your content and into your classroom? What challenges do you see with implementation, and how can you overcome those challenges to give your students virtual reality opportunities?
Make your initial posts before 11:59 p.m. U.S. EST/EDT on Day 5 of this module. After making your initial postings, review at least two of your classmates’ postings and reply to their threads. Complete your replies before 11:59 p.m. U.S. EST/EDT on the next Monday.
Discussion postings should always be thoughtful and courteous and include some references or direct evidence from the module’s content, readings, or assignments to support your statements. In order to ensure that postings are appropriate in length and substance, please limit your initial postings to 100 – 200 words and each of your responses to 25 – 50 words.
Learning Log
Virtual Reality/Simulation Idea
Find a virtual reality or simulation experience you could implement in your classroom. Make sure it aligns to your standards. Post the experience, the standard(s) the experience teaches or reinforces, and explain how you will implement the experience in your classroom. Do you think implementing this experience will enhance your students’ learning? Why, and how? Or, why not?
This learning log entry should be 250-300 words, should answer all parts of the prompt, and should incorporate evidence from this module’s content. Compose your log entry in M.S. Word and paste it onto a Weebly page. Post your Weebly page (URL) onto the corresponding link inside Moodle before 11:59 p.m. U.S. EST/EDT on the next Monday.
Submission Example: Learning Log – Module 5: Virtual Reality/Simulation Idea