Virtual lab - a new way to teach science?

A few years ago, the idea of interactive virtual reality (VR) would have seemed futuristic and out of reach. 

 But now, all the virtual reality hopes and ideas that have been in all the films for years, are starting to seem much more possible and closer to reality. 
Photo courtesy of: http://cyberschoolgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/vr.jpg

 But could virtual reality technology be used to revolutionise education, especially in the sciences? 

 Now I don't know about you, but I think the best way to get kids and young people engaged in science is to encourage them to get stuck in and investigate themselves. (As a bonus, creating their own questions and working out how to answer them is a very valuable skill in science anyway!) 

 Could virtual reality be a perfect way to allow children to have an immersive and experimental experience with science, without any health and safety concerns/fears!? Young people don't all have access and chance to experience what its like to work in a lab. With VR, could kids play in a lab testing things that wouldn't be allowed to test with 'in real life'. 

 It also could be a very interesting way of introducing careers into STEM subjects - if the VR experience could turn science into a realistic application of what they learn in more traditional lessons. 

 What do you think of VR? Do you think it could be used as an educational tool in the near future? Is anyone already using VR for STEM education? 

Comments

  1. Olle5 July 2017 at 10:25

    Danish Labster has taken the lead in this field:
    https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_bodekaer_this_virtual_lab_will_revolutionize_science_class?

    ReplyDelete

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