The integration of technological innovation in education continues to play a significant role in empowering students on their educational journey and simplifying complex concepts in schools.
The use of Virtual Reality (VR) is now an emerging trend in schools, helping learners grasp concepts in a simplified and more practical manner.
Several schools in Kenya have adopted VR in their curriculum to create an interactive learning environment for students. Additionally, a local edtech startup has introduced Ukwenza VR, which focuses on providing extended reality solutions for students of all backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster equity in education and raise awareness of social and environmental issues in schools.
The use of VR in schools is significant in various ways:
Virtual reality has greatly enhanced the understanding of complex topics through visual and practical representations. 3D visualization, in particular, has helped students better understand and apply concepts. This approach is more effective than purely theoretical instruction, which often makes comprehension and application difficult.
VR has also improved the overall learning experience. By offering learners a realistic environment—sometimes impossible to replicate in real life—it makes learning more interactive and immersive. This is especially beneficial in subjects such as Geography, History, and Biology. It allows learners to engage directly with virtual objects and scenarios.
In addition, VR enables learners to explore, discover, and interact with virtual environments, making education more engaging. Classes become enjoyable, unlike traditional classrooms where learners are limited to reading and lectures. VR also improves knowledge retention, as students are more likely to remember what they learned through virtual experiences.
The use of virtual reality in learning has also contributed to greater cultural competence. Students are transported beyond their everyday experiences to virtually visit different parts of the world, which enhances their understanding of cultural differences. This is particularly effective in History, where students can explore virtual reconstructions of ancient places and communities.
Students in institutions like Dedan Kimathi University of Technology have developed virtual reality apps for Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) learners. These apps enable students to conduct virtual lab experiments, just like in a physical laboratory, and include gamification features that make learning enjoyable during their free time.
The inclusion of virtual reality in schools can also reduce the cost of educational resources such as textbooks and stationery, as these materials are not required for VR-based learning.
Therefore, schools should embrace this technological innovation to make education more advanced, interactive, and enjoyable.
Follow us on WhatsApp, Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
