The classroom must not only reflect the society in which we live, it must also take the world into account over a number of years. Predicting the future is difficult, as we are still not driving around in flying cars. Yet, there are developments that indicate what will be possible in the future. VR in the classroom is already important for a new generation that will increasingly use virtual reality. So, it is about time to take those first virtual steps.

How does VR work in the classroom now?

We cannot say that virtual reality is in its infancy, it has been worked on for decades. Nevertheless, the development of hardware and software has accelerated enormously in recent years. This offers opportunities but also uncertainty, because what do we know about the impact of VR teaching?

Children are developing physically and mentally, and we cannot yet say with certainty what a realistic environment brings to your eyes. Yet there are sufficient experiences to state that virtual reality applications offer benefits for educational purposes.

Particularly in primary education, a restrained strategy is applied whereby the time spent in virtual reality remains short and where it forms part of a larger whole. As students gets older, the time in virtual reality will increase and the emphasis on traditional teaching methods will decrease.

Consider, for example, scientific studies in which simulations take place in a virtual environment. This offers more options than ever before.

How does VR work in the classroom in the future?

As the equipment becomes easier to use, lighter in weight and cheaper to purchase, it will be used more often. Just like tablets at the moment, teaching with vr will acquire a permanent place in the classroom as a tool for transferring information. In addition, “remote learning” will play a role to an increasingly extent.

Decentralized education, pupils, and teachers come together in a virtual classroom where geographical location no longer plays a role. This is particularly likely to have a major impact in emerging economies, which are currently taking the lead in using this type of technology.

Consider China and India, where internet, online connectivity and virtual reality are not only being developed to a large extent, but are also used to increase the level of knowledge and strengthen the competitive position. And we can all learn from that, VR in the classroom is going to have a huge impact on society outside of the school.