Danielle Glazer
ECED 3000
August 31, 1999
 

    For the first time ever, schools have integrated virtual reality as a way to help students learn. These new teaching strategies actually have students anxious to learn. Virtual reality allows students to explore subjects using a simulated environment. Students can enter a time period in history or a lab where they control objects. Children seem to learn better when they participate using hands- on activities rather than sitting in a classroom to absorb a lecture.
     Our society is changing fast and the traditional teaching methods are now being replaced by technology. Virtual reality consists of a headset and a glove, the only devices needed for a child to explore their subjects. This technique does not fit just one subject but it fits all curriculums. An example that was used in this journal article pertained to students interacting with our Founding Fathers in the signing of the Constitution.
     Many teachers and administrators are hesitant because they think it would be too costly. However, such investments are possible due to the advancement in computers. What is needed now is that “teachers must understand its implications for learning, and formulate a vision of where they want to go with it to enrich their own curriculum and their students’ learning” (Sykes 4).  Overall, teachers are the promoters who need to make virtual learning a reality.
     This new advancement into schools will work wonders for the teachers and the students. Teachers now can focus on being a learning facilitator that makes learning fun instead of tedious and boring. Obtaining virtual reality in schools today will require many adjustments from the school faculty but will be beneficial to the students.

Glazer, 2
Works Cited

http://www.thejournal.com/magazine/99/feb/feat05.html
 
 
 

Summary from group:
 My group’s overall feeling about my article was that they were extremely interested. After the discussion of my article, each person was amazed that finally learning would be desired instead of dreaded. The emails I received were basically compliments regarding the article. Each person wanted to learn more about virtual reality’s use in a classroom. I think I picked a good article to discuss because it is teachers that will make this possible in the future, and that is what we want to be. I do think that my group will investigate this learning opportunity when they become teachers.