By Gabby Lembo

What is virtual reality?

“The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.”

What is augmented reality?

“Augmented reality is an interactive experience that enhances the real world with computer-generated perceptual information. Using software, apps, and hardware such as AR glasses, augmented reality overlays digital content onto real-life environments and objects.”

What is the difference between AR and VR?

Where virtual reality and augmented reality differ is how they interact with the users. For example, VR replaces the real world with a “fake” one meanwhile, AR add certain digital features. For VR, it usually includes headphones and specialized device to use while AR can be done on a smartphone.

Virtual Reality in Classrooms:

As technology advances, it is being used more and more in classrooms for a better learning experience for students. Virtual reality has a lot of benefits for learning, like being interactive and engaging activities. Teachers can use virtual reality for virtual field trips, explorations, simulations, online labs, etc. The great part of VR is that students can collaborate and work together, giving students the ability to learn teamwork ,communication skills, and work on hands-on activities.

Global Collaboration

Another great aspect of using VR and AR in classrooms is how easy it is to interact with other students and classrooms worldwide. Here are some of the benefits:

• Virtual meeting spaces
• 3D visualization
• Virtual training
• Network opportunities
• Virtual Labs
• Scenarios
• Bringing communities together
• Virtual demonstrations

Virtual Reality Video:

Check out this quick video further explaining how VR can be used in classrooms!