The use of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies in education is at its highest point to date. This is true for the field of education where we are seeing many uses for these technologies. Just as smartphones have multiple uses including instant messaging, playing games, listening to music, watching movies and accessing the web, so too do high end VR headsets. The most common uses for these VR headsets in education include:
o Presentation – Presentations are the most common use of a VR headset. Headsets present a user with a virtual environment that is second-hand and digital. With the advent of the Internet, presentations are now conducted in the Internet. In addition, the Internet provides a means for interactivity that can be carried out within this virtual environment.
o Training – High quality VR headsets are used for training purposes today. It is a tool that is being used by educational institutions to educate users about the various areas of medicine. By using a Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality program, educators are able to teach students about different medical specialties. This can be done from the comfort of one’s home. VR programs are being used to conduct lessons in nursing, childcare, anatomy, physiology, and more.
o Healthcare – One of the most prominent uses for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is in the healthcare sector. This is because Virtual Reality is used in the monitoring and treatment of patients. For instance, with the advancements in the field of computer aided therapy (CAT), a healthcare professional can design the virtual body of a patient to ensure that he looks as realistic as possible. In turn, this allows a healthcare provider to treat a patient more accurately and with less fear of physical or psychological harm to the patient.
o Surgery – The field of surgery requires a great deal of training for surgeons. In order to perform surgery, a surgeon must know how to operate on a real patient. With the help of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality software, a surgeon can simulate the surgery process right inside the operating room. This allows the surgeon to learn how to operate without actually seeing him do it in the real world.
o Computer-assisted surgery – Another use for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality is in the field of computer assisted surgery. With the help of a VR headset, a surgeon can operate inside a body of a dead patient without touching it. By using the VR system, the surgeon is able to navigate through the body and operate accordingly. As the surgeon operates, the system replicates the movements of the real patient. Thus, the operations are completely safe and realistic.
o 360-degree customer experience – It is now possible to offer more than just a camera with a digital recorder. Customers can now have a 360-degree customer experience. This includes having a conversation with the customer, being able to make facial expressions, being able to change the voice, playing music, etc. A new generation of headsets with a high quality of sound can also be used which offers an extremely realistic experience. The best thing about these VR products is that they are easy to use, require no maintenance, provide crystal clear images and sound, and do not need a USB connection for downloads.
There are many other uses for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technology. One application is in teaching. Researchers are exploring the use of this technology in the classroom to enhance lesson retention. With the use of an HMD, a teacher is able to simulate an outdoor or indoor setting with considerably less expense. Teachers can use the HMDs to demonstrate physics concepts, demonstrate computer-generated simulations, or present information in a more engaging manner.