Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming classrooms into immersive, collaborative and inclusive learning environments. Educational VR tools like ClassVR let students explore complex concepts together, encouraging discussion, connection and shared discovery. As more schools adopt VR/AR technology, classrooms become dynamic spaces where students learn in powerful new ways.
Fostering Collaboration
As technology and curricula rapidly evolve, the way that learners connect and collaborate must keep up. Recently, education has undergone a huge transformation, with EdTech advancements opening up many new opportunities for learning. VR/AR is the latest technology positively impacting classrooms and facilitating student collaboration in ways never before considered.
One of the biggest advantages of VR/AR is its ability to bring students together, breaking down geographical barriers and offering opportunities for communication and cultural exchange. For example, ClassVR’s guided group sessions enable students to collaborate on creating their own customised immersive scenes. Teachers have full control over these sessions, which allow learners to explore and engage in a shared experience from the safety of the classroom.
VR/AR has become a fundamental part of GEMS Dubai American Academy’s tech strategy. Using ClassVR, learners collaborate on creating virtual content, such as personal environments and 3D AR models. Through shared experiences, students develop creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, aiding their development inside and beyond the classroom and fostering richer learning.
Enabling Connection
Whether virtually touring landmarks or sharing cultures through explorable scenes, VR/AR offers students the chance to create new connections and participate in experiences that expand their worldview.
Students can engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to learn about different cultures and explore new perspectives. This fosters a sense of connection, both emotional and cultural, helping students to build relationships, understand different viewpoints, and develop communication skills – all of which are critical to life during and beyond their time in education.
With VR/AR, learners are able to gain a deeper understanding of real-world issues and scenarios. For example, using the Future Forests Toolkit, students can immersive themselves in the rainforest to experience the effects of deforestation and climate change. Exploring these areas first-hand helps students emotionally connect to global challenges and spark important discussions on topics like sustainability and shaping a better future.
As well as creating content, educators can upload their work and share it with schools across the globe through the ClassVR community portal. By sharing customised content and useful resources, educators can work together to enrich learning for all students, fostering a sense of collaboration, connection and community.
Increasing Engagement
VR/AR immerses students in 360-degree landscapes, allowing them to explore safaris, underwater habitats, and even the solar system. ClassVR enables real-time interaction within these environments, supporting the development of teamwork and communication skills. By simplifying complex and previously out-of-reach subjects, students are more engaged in the curriculum and excited to learn.
Research from PwC shows that VR/AR learners learn four times faster and maintain four times more focus than traditional teaching methods. As well as having a significant impact on engagement, VR/AR also helps to reduce absenteeism. Naturally, increased attendance results in increased opportunities for students to learn, engage and collaborate.
At Prague British International School, ClassVR is used to engage learners with dynamic, interactive classroom experiences. Students have built on their aeroplane topic by virtually flying a jet plane, explored the pyramids while learning about Ancient Egypt and immersed themselves in the human body to consolidate their science knowledge.
Beyond the virtual world, VR/AR gives students something exciting to talk about with their peers and even their families at home. Teachers can build on this to stimulate discussions and create dialogue-based classroom environments. Similarly, families can develop this curiosity at home by engaging in conversations about VR/AR experiences, fostering deeper connections between students, curriculum content, and their loved ones.
Overcoming Differences
Forging connections with VR/AR reaches beyond the curriculum, with ClassVR being a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity. To ensure that all students, regardless of mobility or ability, can fully participate in their education, ClassVR is user-friendly, accessible and adaptable to various classroom settings.
VR/AR helps students understand neurodiversity through experiences that highlight different ways of thinking and learning. This creates inclusive environments in which all students can connect and collaborate. The more students understand each other’s differences, the better equipped they are to work with others. These learnings will be carried with them throughout their education and in life beyond the classroom.
Educators can use ClassVR to support neurodiversity and foster neuroempathy by facilitating simulations that show neurotypical students what sensory overload is like for people with autism. This exercise helps neurodivergent students feel safer and more visible, providing a positive catalyst for open discussion and encouraging inclusivity across entire school communities.
As well as enabling learners to experience life from different perspectives, VR/AR allows students to navigate real-world scenarios. Using ClassVR, students can explore shops, attend medical appointments, and learn about different careers. These virtual experiences help to build confidence and develop crucial social skills, preparing them for connections and collaborations outside the classroom.
A Future of Shared Learning
As we have seen, VR/AR is more than just a technological innovation – it’s an important tool for connection, collaboration, and community. ClassVR equips schools to create learning environments where ideas are shared, perspectives are broadened, and all learners can unlock their full potential.
Governments worldwide are recognising the potential for VR/AR to create barrier-free learning environments. The United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, Poland, and Italy are just some of the countries harnessing the power of ClassVR to create confident, independent, and engaged learners who are fully prepared for tomorrow's world.
As the world’s leading VR/AR solution designed for education, ClassVR is being used by more than two million students in more than 200,000 classrooms to innovate, communicate, and create meaningful connections. As we look to the future, embracing VR/AR will help educators deliver bolder, better, and equitable education, ultimately developing skills that learners will benefit from far beyond the classroom.
