How Virtual Reality Simulations Enhances Learning and Teaching
Explore Innovative Teaching Methods
Paul Driver, Director of Simulation-based Learning at the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge shared with us his practical feedback and advises with VR based learning.
Paul has won an award for his introduction of 360-degree video scenarios to enable students to walk in the footsteps of patients, take part in role play situations, develop empathy and engage decision-making.
Why do you think virtual reality (VR) is interesting for learning?
That’s a really fundamental questions, which is the whole reason why I’m using Uptale. That’s because it helps to situate learning and create context.
- Context: VR is crucial for situating learning in a real-world context, which is often missing in traditional classrooms. It creates immersive environments where information is contextualized, enhancing memory retention and recall.
- Spatial Memory: VR triggers spatial memory, similar to how revisiting a place after years can bring back vivid memories. Virtual simulation helps students remember information linked to three-dimensional spaces.
- Recall/Memorization: Immersive learning in VR helps students recall information by revisiting the spaces they explored. This spatial recall is more effective than just reading information on a flat screen.
These benefits are backed by research in neuroscience and embodied cognition, making VR a promising tool to enhance education.
How can VR be used in language teaching and learning?
VR allows language learning to take place in varied contexts, essential for acquiring vocabulary and language skills. It also provides opportunities for students to practice freely and receive personalized feedback while creating a safe environment where they can repeat and improve without pressure.
- Practice and Feedback: VR allows students to practice speaking freely and receive feedback. Unlike traditional methods that focus on repetition, VR lets students express themselves naturally and get personalized feedback on their performance.
- Safe Environment for Repetition: VR offers a safe space for students to practice without the pressure of a live audience. They can make mistakes, receive immediate feedback, and try again, making the learning process more effective and less intimidating.
Why did you choose to work with Uptale?
I started exploring VR in 2014-2015, but the available tools were limited. With Uptale, I found an intuitive platform that allows me to focus on content rather than technical issues. Uptale continuously improves its features, making it an ideal partner for innovative teaching.
How do you create immersive learning experiences with Uptale?
The process begins by defining learning objectives. Then, I collect multimedia resources (photos, videos, audio recordings) and create a storyboard. The next step involves uploading these media files to the Uptale platform and integrating them into the immersive experience by setting triggers, navigation, and information hierarchy. The process is iterative, with regular testing to refine the experience before making it available to students.
How long does it take you to edit?
Editing with Uptale is very quick, but the time-consuming part is editing the 360-degree video itself. I often add 3D text and use effects like blurring and zooming to focus attention on specific elements within the video. For instance, when training primary education students, I highlight important moments by blurring the rest of the video to direct attention to key interactions.
Can you tell us more about your VR training use cases?
One major project involved recording trainee teachers in classrooms and having them review their performance in VR. The initial results showed that trainees often missed key details and focused on less important aspects.
To improve this, we created a VR experience where an experienced teacher’s voice narrated over the video, explaining the rationale behind specific teaching actions. This approach significantly enhanced the trainees’ ability to reflect and notice important details.
But we’ve also used those simulations for radiotherapy, language learning, and other use cases.
Do you think VR will expand in schools?
Yes, VR is already expanding in education. For example, some UK companies are using VR cameras for classroom observations. This trend is growing, and we see more integration of VR, augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality. Although the growth has been gradual, the continued interest and improvements suggest that VR will play an increasingly important role in education, particularly where traditional methods can’t match its immersive capabilities.
How would you describe Uptale in a few words?
Powerful and intuitive.
