World-renowned as a bustling metropolis laden with innovative technology solutions, the United Arab Emirates is home to a world-class educational system where immersive and technology-based learning methods are guiding young people toward a successful future.
Digitally-led learning encompasses the use of prestigious technology along with traditional teaching methods to create a combined learning experience where students can become engaged and inspired by a new digital way of learning.
Software such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality have been introduced into the classroom over recent years, providing a fun and interactive source of education to children across the United Arab Emirates.
In particular, virtual reality has piqued the interest of students in schools across the UAE after emerging from the confines of gaming technology and making an appearance in the classroom, but how exactly is virtual reality being used in schools? In this article, we will explore some of the uses of VR within the classroom and discover how this can benefit students in their learning journey.
Based on our core values of technology, innovation, and creativity, the School for Modern Skills provides a positive learning environment for all students. Enhancing the learning of our students with creative and digital learning methods, Dubai School for Modern Skills champions the learning path to success. For more information, get in contact today.
What is Virtual Reality?
Regularly used in the world of gaming, virtual reality provides an immersive simulation experience to the user which allows them to interact with and manipulate objects and surroundings. Virtual reality software has the ability to transport the user to a different environment without them having to leave the comfort of their existing surroundings.
Powered by the use of a smartphone, tablet, and virtual reality headset, virtual reality technology is portable and can be used in any location. Since its emergence, it has become a hit with gamers across the world, and now, it has taken its stance in the educational sector as an exciting new way for children and young people to learn.
Creating an Immersive Learning Environment
Virtual reality can emulate a total sense of immersion for pupils who may otherwise be unable to experience certain sites and locations due to cost, time, or other logistical reasons. Through the power of virtual reality, students are transported to immersive environments allowing them to explore ancient ruins or the breathtaking geographical locations of the world.
The limits to virtual reality are endless, allowing visits to some of the most hard to get to locations from the comfort of the classroom walls. Pupils can benefit from a fully immersive experience at a fraction of the time and cost it would take to visit the genuine location.
A Personalized Learning Experience
Undoubtedly, no two children will learn in the same way or at the same pace, meaning each child’s learning path may need to be slightly tailored to suit their needs. Using virtual reality allows each student to learn at their own pace in a way that most suits them and their own personal needs. Particular virtual reality software can adapt to each child’s learning style and teach them at the best-suited pace for them.
Moreover, this allows each child to enjoy the learning process more thoroughly due to less pressure and stress added through a pace of learning that is too quick or slow for their needs and abilities.
The Uses of Virtual Reality in the Classroom
Virtual reality provides a versatile way for students to learn new knowledge and skills across many faculties. Depending on the subject matter, virtual reality can make the learning process more streamlined and engaging for students who may otherwise lose interest in certain subjects, therefore, helping to ignite a passion for various subjects through the use of advanced digital technology.
Technology and Science
Science and technology-based subjects are often fascinating and exciting for students, however, at times, depending on facilities, experiments and studies may be limited due to safety measures and budget. By using virtual reality, students have these types of experiments and studies at their fingertips without compromising their safety.
In addition, certain technological advancements are not available to the public, however, through the use of virtual reality, the software can provide immersion through simulation, providing students with first-hand experience across different sectors, for example, flying a plane or the use of space technology.
Language Learning
Learning a new language in most schools is actively encouraged for students. It allows students an opportunity to learn about a new culture and also allows them to improve retention and memory skills. It can often seem overwhelming to learn a whole new language, however, virtual reality makes the process more engaging and fun for language students.
Through the use of virtual reality, students have an opportunity to practice their newfound language skills in virtual real-life settings, such as restaurants, tourist locations, and traditional cultural events. By applying their language skills in real-life scenarios, children are encouraged to be more engaged and experience language in a more authentic way.
Historical and Geographical Studies
History and geography are often very informative subjects that are best suited to site visits to see historical landmarks up close. However, this is not always possible for many reasons. By using virtual reality software, students can virtually access monumental historical events and explore landmarks such as the pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, and even Mount Everest.
Locations like the above may not be accessible in person due to their safety and also the cost and time to get there. Virtual reality has the power to bring each location to the students to provide a fascinating insight into the rich culture and history of some of the world’s most memorable locations.
What are the Benefits of Using Virtual Reality
There are many benefits of using virtual reality, some of which include:
- Increased engagement in lessons
- Promoting teamwork and collaboration
- Improved critical thinking skills
- Boosted knowledge retention
- Personalized learning for each student
- Inclusive learning for SEND students
How Will Virtual Reality Impact the Way Students Learn?
With each benefit in mind, students have the opportunity to learn in an innovative way whilst adopting skills that will help them in life beyond their education. With many schools in the United Arab Emirates already actively using virtual reality as a method of learning, the clear benefits are set to see more educational facilities introducing it into their curriculum.
It is thought that the widespread use of virtual reality in education will have a profoundly positive effect on how students learn across the world, developing core motor skills and encouraging inclusion and teamwork, students benefit from an insight into the world after school and what they can expect from their careers.
School for Modern Skills
Based in Dubai, the School for Modern Skills combines excellent academic facilities with exceptionally high standards of teaching. Each of our students benefits from a learning journey where technology is embraced and used to spark imagination and creativity.
We take pride in our excellent school and accolades, which include:
- Great sports and medical facilities
- Participation in the Matatalap Robotics Competiton and our very own robotics program
- An onsite IHub to aid our student’s learning
- Access to transportation to and from school
- Sustainability programs throughout the school
- A keen interest in artificial intelligence and a partnership to promote the uses of AI along with neighboring universities
If you are interested in learning more about our enrolment process, get in contact today and take the next step towards your child’s journey to academic success. We look forward to hearing from you.
