The Past, Present, and Future of Virtual Reality in Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter focuses on how Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to educate students in a variety of disciplines. Authors include a comprehensive synthesis of previous virtual reality in the educational setting literature. They also provide specific examples of virtual reality usage in the education setting utilizing specific VR class assignments from multiple universities. Based on their comprehensive review of previous research, the authors provide suggestions for future research and application of VR both inside and outside of the classroom. Two specific VR class assignments/activities are incorporated and can be utilized by professors to provide undergraduate and graduate students with an introduction to the application of VR.

COVID-19 Era Requires Urgent Integration of Virtual Reality Simulations in Medical Education

“…Of particular interest are those that focus on integrating online learning with practical activities delivered via virtual reality (VR) simulations or even advanced artificial intelligence (AI). 7 These options could provide powerful learning opportunities for medical students, who would be able to simulate telemedicine visits with patients. 5,8 The uses of these virtual or simulated experiences in preparing the next generation for telemedicine range widely, from patient monitoring and healthcare information technology to information analysis collaboration and intelligent diagnosis assistance.…”