As we know, technology is always on the up and coming, continuously advancing in ways we couldn’t even imagine. One of the more recent advancements, and one that truly is incredible, is virtual reality. Through a pair of what looks like goggles, you can visually transport yourself anywhere your VR allows you to. Originally used just for fun, virtual reality can now be found in classrooms, contributing to student’s education. For example, teachers can now send their students on a “virtual field trip” to any location relevant to the topic they’re learning.

An experience like this would be especially beneficial in educating students about the world outside of where they live. It can be difficult to teach children about different countries around the world and their cultures through a textbook, and that is where a tool such as Nearpod comes into play. As not all school districts can supply a number of virtual reality headsets, Nearpod is a tool that can be accessed on almost any digital device, including chromebooks, iPads, macbooks, etc. Thanks to this “virtual reality classroom,” students can be transported to anywhere in the world, allowing them to experience the different countries, what they look like, how they speak, how they dress, what daily life is like there.

Virtual Reality can contribute to successful global collaboration as it aims to engage students in what they are learning through immersive experiences. For students to actually experience what they are learning about will leave a lasting impression, promoting further interest and motivation in understanding the world around them. Additionally, a virtual field trip would aid in eliminating any premeditated thoughts or bias that may have been formed about a certain place or culture. Ultimately, virtual reality in the classroom influences students to be more open minded in participating in global collaboration.