VIRTUAL
REALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Prepared by
Sabarish P
(MSc Physics, MEd, NET)
Contact: pklsabarish@gmail.com
Virtual
reality is a computer based technology which gives the illusion of
being immersed in a three dimensional space with the ability to
interact with this 3D space. There has
been
an increased interest in virtual reality which has led to some
exciting new developments for society as a whole. VR has extremely
wide application in higher education.
VR
can make the artificial as realistic as, and even more realistic
than, the real.
Display
technology will continue to improve, so VR will become ever more
realistic virtually. The
recent technological developments in computer hardware and software
now make it feasible to look at VR as an important teaching aid.
The
capabilities and possibilities for VR technology may open doors to
new experiences in learning.VR sometimes can be even more powerful
than the real world since it allows almost anybody to feel and sense
the forbidden world.VR enables learners to view, touch, hear and
interact with life like objects in real time. VR provides a firsthand
approach to learning without the hazards of dealing with the real
environment.VR can make the artificial as realistic as, and even more
realistic than, the real.
VIRTUAL
REALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Introduction
Technology
can refer to material objects of use to humanity, such as machines or
hardware, but it can also encompass broader themes, including
systems, methods of organisation and techniques. There arrives a
training technology that causes a realization that "this changes
everything." Such a technology is virtual reality (VR). It has
been stated that interaction in a virtual environment can be a
valuable substitute for real experience(Chittaro & Ranon,
2007).VR is simply an illusory environment, engineered to give users
the impression of being somewhere other than where they are. As you
sit safely in your home, VR can transport you to a football game, a
rock concert, a sub marine exploring the depths of the ocean, or a
space station orbiting Jupiter.
What
is Virtual Reality?
Virtual
reality a term used to describe a 3D, computer generated environment
which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person
becomes the part of the virtual world or is immersed within the
environment and is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of
actions.Virtual Reality is best described as an illusion of reality
created by a computer system. A person enters a VR by putting on
special glass and headphones attached to a computer system running
the VR programme. These devices immerse the user with the sights and
sounds of virtual world.
Features
of Virtual Reality
1)VR
allows the person to view 3D images 2) They change as the person
moves around their environment which corresponds with the change in
their field of vision. 3) Virtual environment is both realistic and
enjoyable. 4) It provides appropriate responses. 5) It is a natural,
free flowing form of interaction which will results in a memorable
experience
Functions
of Virtual Reality
1)To
make learning fun and interesting. 2) To provide motivation.3) To
retain the knowledge gained.4) To aware the performance of
learners.5) To form the relationships with learners.6) To present
content
Types
of Virtual Reality Devices
Different
types of virtual reality devices are mentioned below.
1.Head
mounted displays
are devices that typically look like a helmet, which have a small
video screen placed at a short distance in front of eyes.
2.Gloves
contain
various types of sensors to allow a user to interact with the visual
VR environment. The software co-ordinates the interaction of the
gloved hand and visual display. Using it, a user can see objects in
the virtual world and able to pick up object and place it somewhere
else.
3.VR
simulators
are already being used in films and TV industry. It traces the body
movements through small dots attached to the body suit at joint
positions (wrists, ankles, elbows, face etc) of a student actor 4.Hap
tics,
the VR motion chair can be used with a joystick and a steering wheel
and will work with any pc game. One who uses the motion chair, often
have the feeling that he is in another world. 5.Video
eye wares
are fully adjustable, light weight and comfortable and it will also
connect directly in to an iPod video.
Types
of Virtual Reality Models
Actually
there is numerous kind of virtual reality but most can be classified
into one of the following three categories: Desktop VR, Video Mapping
VR, and Immersive VR.
Desktop VR:
Desktop-based virtual reality involves displaying a 3-dimensional
virtual world on a regular desktop display without use of any
specialized movement-tracking equipment. It involves
a traditional desktop set up in which the student explores a virtual
environment using a computer, keyboard and mouse. Modern computer
games are example for this type.
Video
Mapping VR:
It uses cameras to project an image of the user into the computer
program, thus creating a 2D computer character. Although fully
immersed in the environment, it is difficult to interact with the
user’s surroundings.
Immersive
VR:
It uses a HMD to project video directly in front of the user’s
eyes, plays audio directly into the user’s ears, and can track the
whereabouts of the user’s head. Then a data glove (or data suit) is
used to track movements of the user’s body and then duplicate them
in the virtual environment. When the user cannot distinguish between
what is real and what is not, then immersive VR has succeeded.
Advantages
of Virtual Reality
1).VR
is more natural.2).Virtual Reality is a great social leveller;
it may find a common ground across differences in age, culture,
and linguistic orientation.3).People will be drawn together by
similar interests instead of purely by geographic location. 4).VR is
more effective and productive, and more enjoyable.5).VR provides a
multi sensory experience.6).The
VR world can also be used to ensure the physical safety
Applications
in Higher Education
VR
has extremely wide application in higher education, training and
research. Flexibility provided by VR will be a major attraction to
the educational community.
It is easy to imagine a time when laboratories of chemistry, physics
and engineering are replaced by a number of VR systems. The
applications of VR includes architecture, sports, medicines, arts,
entertainment and many areas of curriculum such as Maths, English,
Science, History, Geography etc.
Conclusion
Education
system has remarkable changes in recent years. Many reforms were
sought, formulated, implemented, reviewed and deliberated upon. In
future, it may be practical to use VR to safely fly a remote control
aircraft into a hurricane or volcanic eruption to take scientific
readings. It would also be applied to remote controlled submarines
that explore the sea looking for oil and mineral resources or perhaps
exploring other planets such as Mars & Titan. VR can’t
substitute for real human contact. Nevertheless it may allow students
to enjoy educational concepts in an interactive mode and may help
them to move on to higher goals.
References
Nachimuthu
, K.
(2011). Virtual Reality Enhanced in Teacher Education. BRICS
journal of Educational Research
,( 2011), 1(2),133-136.
Noushad
Hussain.
(2012) .Avatar: A New Web Based Virtual technology for Social
Learning in Higher Education. University
News,
(2012), 50(11), 15 -23.
Chittaro,
L.,Ranon,R.(2007).Web
3D technologies in learning, education and training:Motivations,
issues, opportunities.
Computers & education journal,49(2),3-18.