As we all know, motivation plays a very important role in the learning process, maybe even the most important role. Educators know that if we can connect learners to ideas and concepts and motivate them to discover more, then successful outcomes are likely to be achieved. But what role does virtual reality play?

The essence of VR is to provide independent learning opportunities for learners. The same is true for VR game equipment. Modules designed for the purpose of curriculum design can establish relevance between each module and classroom instruction. What is presented in each module needs to be designed in a slightly different way, connecting specific concepts to the world around us in different ways? The one-size-fits-all approach is not enough, because learning atomic Numbers and the periodic table is fundamentally different from learning the relative motion. In some cases, a degree of gamification can increase interest, but not everything can benefit from gamification. VR can definitely help achieve visualization.

Increase the connection between learners and concepts.

The increasing popularity and complexity of educational technology offer more and more possibilities for students to explore and tell their experiences. Tools like VR, when combined with good, vetted content, have the potential to bring students to the center of the learning process, where they can learn to connect with abstract concepts, discuss these with their peers and teachers, and present newly discovered knowledge in the real world. This is a real bridge between knowledge and understanding.

Suit their learning habits

In the VR environment, learners are the driving force for learning. Ideally, students can quickly browse through the various modules that are conducive to their own learning styles and needs. Each student naturally finds areas where they may need extra time and identifies the topics they have identified and can learn faster. Unlike video or teacher-centered courses, control is in the hands of every student, allowing them to control the rhythm. This, in turn, increases motivation as they are the agents of their learning.

Build up their interest

In a perfect world, modules would be mapped into the curriculum, ensuring that the material is at the learner’s level and that mastery of a concept is at least attainable. It is very frustrating to face difficult materials that contain words beyond the current level of students, causing them to lose interest and breaking their connection with the materials. Similarly, it is frustrating to present the reader with redundant, previously learned information that makes the whole exercise meaningless. This is a tricky balance, but care needs to be taken to ensure an appropriate relationship between the learner and the learning material.

VR can fill in the gaps in the learning process in a number of ways. It can provide another instance that processes or interacts with concepts. In addition, it can provide a valuable opportunity to visualize a conceptually challenging idea, increasing the likelihood of a deeper understanding of concepts that may not be clearly understood. Virtual reality is unlikely to replace traditional teaching, but it offers opportunities to help and enhance the learning process.