Although virtual reality technology has been used to revolutionize gaming and other forms of diversion, educators are increasingly discovering the value of these developments in the classroom. For history teachers, the potential benefits of virtual reality are particularly numerous. Here are a few innovative ways to implement this technology into a variety of history lessons.
Interactive Modeling
One way to use VR in a history class involves recreating three-dimensional models of various items, animals, and artifacts from various eras. This could include studies of extinct species, the interior of a space shuttle, or almost anything else that students might be interested in seeing up close and personal with a display that can be rotated in all directions for a thorough view of all its aspects.
Virtual Field Trips
While it is expensive and time-consuming to stage field trips even in the same city as a school, the use of augmented reality can allow classrooms to virtually visit almost any location on the globe. Stage creative excursions based on photos, illustrations, and recreations that will allow the entire classroom to view details of historical sites and wonders of the world without ever needing to leave their seats. Instead of spending an entire day roaming a location in person, these virtual trips will allow plenty of time to discuss the importance and relevance of the experience.
Take a Trip to the Past
An obvious limitation in any history lesson is that the events being discussed have already occurred. With virtual reality in the classroom, however, it is possible to recreate the experiences and sights that individuals throughout recorded history likely witnessed during various periods. Through these interactive and immersive solutions, teachers can guide their students through a range of events, from famous battles to devastating natural events. Whether the trip goes all the way back to the time of dinosaurs or explores the cultural changes of the past several generations, there is always something to learn from history. Instead of keeping the events locked away in textbooks and uninspiring videos, the use of virtual reality devices and software can build a lasting connection between students and the events that led to the current era.