Learning with virtual reality - gamification as an enriching learning method in school

Although many are not aware of it, virtual reality already has a long history dating back many decades. The major breakthrough that finally brought this technology to the attention of the general public took place in 2016 with investments by numerous renowned companies in the emerging technology. While virtual reality is gradually being used in various industries, the gaming sector is probably one of the most prominent. Take on the role of racing drivers and race across the racetrack at a breath-taking 200 km/h - VR creates a completely new gaming experience. However, this blog post is not only intended to focus on the entertainment aspects of virtual reality, but rather to steer the perspective on the ways in which students can learn with virtual reality and what role gamification, described using various application examples of the innovative learning method, can play in education.

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Learn in a fun way

‍The idea of gamification in school is fascinating and effective at the same time. This involves integrating playful elements into learning environments that are otherwise perceived as rather sober and less exciting. Let's look at the world of mathematics, for example: Mental arithmetic is undoubtedly a topic that does not normally generate storms of enthusiasm among students. It is at such moments that gamification comes into play. One tried and tested method is so-called “corner calculation”, a game with a clear didactic goal that, however, does not ignore the fun factor. This type of learning not only makes students enjoy the subject, but also promotes competition among students, which in turn increases motivation.

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The fusion of gamification and VR: Why is learning with virtual reality so effective?

The fusion of gamification and virtual reality, which learning with virtual reality in schools offers, is proving to be extremely effective in terms of learning success - and for several reasons. First, it significantly increases student motivation. The playful elements of gamification encourage students to engage more intensively with the subject matter, while the immersive nature of VR further reinforces this motivation. Students are more willing to immerse themselves in the learning process when they feel they are part of an exciting virtual world. Second, this combination enables self-directed learning. Students can choose their own learning path and progress at their own pace, which promotes flexibility and individualization of learning. Third, VR promotes a better understanding of the subject matter, as students can experience abstract concepts in a tangible way. Finally, gamification in VR also supports teamwork and competition, as students can solve challenging tasks in groups or compete, which promotes collaboration and communication. In summary, the fusion of gamification and VR offers an extremely effective method to optimize learning and get students excited about education.

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_{Outlook: The role of gamification in schools}

At a time when increasing student motivation requires special measures, the combination of gamification and virtual reality at school and beyond can develop transformative power. The way in which students absorb and process knowledge is fundamentally changed by these innovative approaches. Gamification enables playful learning that increases motivation and promotes self-directed learning. The immersive experiences of virtual reality enable learners to grasp abstract concepts and develop a deeper understanding. The opportunity to collaborate and compete within the virtual world creates an inspiring learning environment. The fusion of gamification and VR thus opens up new horizons for the education sector and shows that education can not only be informative but also fascinating. We're at the start of an exciting journey that has the potential to change the way we learn forever

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