While traditional learning methods have their place, we can’t ignore what v-learning (virtual learning) and immersive experiences have to offer in the world of education.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits virtual learning can have for both teachers and students alike.
Virtual Reality Learning Benefits
Here are just some of the benefits v-learning has to offer.
Improved Knowledge Retention
According to this study, immersive learning has the potential to improve knowledge retention in students. Since v-learning methods require the student’s visual attention, it demands their full focus. This immersive experience then helps the student grasp, and retain, what they have learned even better than more traditional learning styles.
Also, being immersed in real-life situations triggers an emotional connection with the learning material. An emotional experience is highly memorable, and, as a result, deepens the learners' understanding. In turn, the students can recall their studies with better clarity.
Another study shows that the brain uses all five senses to create a mental map of the VR environment. This full-bodied sensory experience is great for long-term learning. It allows the brain to transfer this information from short-term to long-term memory more effectively.
Supports SEND Learning
SEND is a particular learning style created for learners with disabilities or special needs. V-learning is awesome, since it can benefit students with special learning needs, too. VR environments can be easily customisable. As a result, teachers can personalise each learning session to suit the learner’s requirements perfectly.
Enhances Empathy
Did you know that virtual learning also has the ability to improve empathy? When using v-learning methods, students are transported to different places worldwide. This immersive experience helps them realistically imagine what it would be like to be in another person’s shoes. It also offers learners a chance to experience a shift in perspective realistically and safely – helping them improve their levels of emotional awareness.
Boosts Imagination and Creativity
Another set of studies reveals that v-learning sparks innovation and creative thinking. Since students experience what seem to be real-world settings, it triggers their imagination.
It’s Less Exhausting
Learning in a classroom requires students to pay attention for long periods of time. Students have to stay put, or else they risk missing valuable parts of the lesson.
In virtual learning, however, learners can work in their own time. This means they can take as many breaks as they need. They can take a breather, collect themselves, and resume the lesson from where they left off, in a way that is more focused and relaxed.
It’s More Engaging
By now, it should seem obvious that students find v-learning exciting! This teaching style uses immersive imagery, videos and pictures to help students learn.
Basically, they’re learning without even realising they are. This makes learning easier and more energising. Traditional learning can have the opposite effect, with learners reading through mountains of text which can be boring and mentally exhausting.
It’s Inclusive
Travelling costs can be astronomical, which can deny many students potentially life-changing experiences.
But who needs to travel when VR technology can take you on a world tour? Now, with this new learning method, no learner has to miss ever miss an excursion due to lack of funds!
Improves the Employee Experience
Training with virtual learning takes a shorter time, unlike in classroom setups. As a result, staff don’t have to spend long hours teaching.
At the crux of it, v-learning is more effective than other learning methods when it comes to improving employee satisfaction. This can also help lower educational institution staff turnover.
Ready to Benefit From the Virtual Learning Experience?
Immersive learning hosts so amazing benefits; it’s engaging, social, inclusive, and, of course, fun. It’s also easy to implement and doesn’t require learners to travel across the world.
So if you’re an educator looking for ways to supplement competency-based learning, immersive technology can help you do just that!