VRinEducation

__** Virtual Reality **__ Last night I traveled to Jerusalem, went diving with sharks, attended a U2 concert and looked inside the structure of a cell and more… all from my living room, via free apps for my iPhone for my Virtual Reality (VR) headset. Ever wanted to try Virtual Reality (VR)? Are you aware of YouTube’s "#360videos”? Want to know how this could apply to you in education? There are so many free apps for your iPhone, iPod and Android phones to try and headsets are as low as $10, as well as high end experiences that allow users to actually create and interact in a VR world (think move objects, creates works of art, etc)! This is a great experience for almost any curriculum!



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VR, or Virtual Reality, is a fairly new concept arriving in our classrooms (it has been around for a long time but only recently affordable for educators). VR allows students to immerse themselves into an environment and feel like they are actually there. Students can use VR headsets, in conjunction with their cell phones or a computer, and create a theater like experience that gives them a sense of actually being there! Think 3D but much better. I've been using VR in my classrooms for 3 years now. I've helped educators across the curriculum and divisions to use VR. Whether it was an iPad adventure with YouTube 360 videos, a middle school history class taking a tour of Mecca using their cell phones and a VR headset, or a high school class using Oculus Rift to create and manipulate objects, there is an experience for almost every occasion. This can be done in a variety of ways. **Currently there are 4 methods to incorporate VR into your classroom.**

1. YouTube offers a wide range of free "360 degree" videos. This does not require a headset (but it is a better experience with them). Want to check out a few #360youtube videos first? Open your YouTube app on your phone/iPad and search for "#360video". It’s an amazing technology you and your students will find very engaging! How does it work? Students simply move their device around, or use the touch screen to move it, and the video moves with them. Very fun and interactive!

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2. The most common is for students to download apps for their cell phones and use them in conjunction with a headset (commonly found on Amazon for under $20). This is site based, which mean wherever the students looks the video moves with them. Add a set of headphones and you begin to feel like you are really there! media type="youtube" key="3jjNGRPbFTA" width="560" height="315"

3. For a more immersive and expensive experience, a company called Oculus, recently bought by Facebook, offers an amazing VR experience which requires a PC computer and headset (roughly for $1500 or more). This high end experience not only lets you see in VR, but you actually get to interact, manipulate and create using this high end software and hardware! media type="youtube" key="uG0u7_gVPVE" width="560" height="315"

4. HTC Vive is another methods quite popular right now. This also requires a PC and headset and can be purchased for about $1500 or more. This high end experience not only lets you see in VR, but you actually get to interact, manipulate and create using this high end software and hardware! media type="youtube" key="MCTFAn-9xcg" width="560" height="315"

For classroom educators, starting out with students devices (cellphones or iPads) and using the YouTube 360 videos is a great way to start your VR experience. It offers a wide range of student VR experiences at no cost using devices students might already have. But for a truly immersive experience at an affordable cost option #2 is the best way to go. For about $20 and some free apps, students can experience an amazing world where VR apps can take them to places they have never been in an unforgettable experience. It’s an amazing technology you and your students will find very engaging!