Virtual reality is not just the future anymore—it's here, it's now, and it's going to be huge! It has become an essential part of our lives today because of its ability to transport us into another virtual world. It allows us to experience new things and learn about them in a way that was never possible before.
Virtual reality can be used for a wide range of applications from training and education to simulation and gaming. It is also used by companies to provide immersive experiences for their customers. The technology is rapidly advancing, and now people are opting for a virtual reality lab to leverage this more and more.
So why would you want to build a virtual reality lab?
Well, for starters, there are so many different ways that VR can be used in education and business. But even more than that, Virtual reality labs are just plain fun!
It doesn't matter if you're a business or an educational institution:
if you want to get into the game of using virtual reality as a learning tool, there are some things you should consider. In this article, we'll take a look at how to build a VR lab for learning.
First, let’s take a look at what exactly a virtual reality lab is:
A virtual reality lab is usually a space where students or professionals can be immersed in an artificial environment in order to learn about new topics or develop skills related to their area of interest. These environments can be anything from 3D gaming platforms to full-fledged simulations that allow users to interact with other avatars and objects through movements and speech recognition technology.
How VR is used in Education?
Virtual reality means using particular computer applications which users sense immersive, three dimensional visual and audio simulations to simulate a user's physical presence and environment to allow for user interaction.
A key trait of VR is the ability to immerse the user by surrounding them with digital content, while choosing the viewing perspective. In this context, the "reality" refers to the user's perception of being somewhere, whether or not that corresponds to the actual real-world environment.
“According to a recent report, the global virtual reality in education market size is projected to reach USD 13,098.2 million by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 42.9% during the forecast period.”
That means, the VR technology is growing rapidly in education sector. Especially after the Covid era , 360VR is most commonly used in education. With this type of VR, real-world locations are captured with specialist cameras and equipment. The footage is then taken back to the studio where it is produced into VR content and can be viewed on VR headsets or projected onto walls which is known as Immersive Classrooms or Virtual reality lab.
Virtual reality lab VS physical lab?
Setting up a quality physical laboratories can be expensive, it requires large space and money. While many educational institutions are operating on tight budgets, so buying expensive laboratory equipment can be a real challenge.
Moreover, the physical space is required for constructing a big laboratory. Further, there are chances that mistakes can happen while doing high risk experiments. For instance, there can be a fire accident in chemistry lab if the elements are not handled carefully.
While with the introduction of Virtual Reality, it can be a great way to avoid exposing students to these dangerous or sensitive materials. This risk can be eliminated, also it can be cost-effective for educational institutions with less physical space constraints.
What VR equipment & software is needed?
The planning and setup process are the key to build an effective VR lab. There are questions that needed to be considered to get started:
- Which VR displays, headsets & VR equipment should I consider?
- How many teachers, students and classes will be using VR?
- Which is the best suitable software ?
- What is the budget and the available physical space ?
The answer for the above questions will be your pillar to have a functional VR lab, You'll have to invest in a few things before setting up the VR lab, including:
1. VR displays, VR headsets, 3D walls and movement-tracking equipment
2. Computers to render
3. Input gadgets
4. Projectors for viewing live experiments
5. Monitors and gloves for various body parts
6. Speakers and audio gear
7. Sensors that track physiologic adjustments
8. Devices that monitor eye movement
However, your VR headsets are the most vital piece of gear you select. They will serve as the main equipment in your VR lab. But you have to be careful.
Here are four considerations to evaluate VR software:
1. Ease of Use
2. Ability to Build Libraries of VR Code
3. Rapid Development
4. Compatibility
Benefits of VR lab in education
VR learning labs leverage several instructional techniques that makes it easier for learners to internalize and bring many benefits to the learning process, such as:
1. Futuristic Equipment
2. Engages Students Immensely
3. Offers Instant Feedback
4. Flexible Learning Process
5. Immersive Learning Experience
6. Improved Student Safety
7. Affordability compared to Physical Labs
Virtual Reality is a captivating technology that can help you realize the enormous effects it has on education. There are countless benefits to using VR in the learning process, but here are just a handful that will help you realize the enormously great effects this technology can have on education.
So, why aren't YOU already on VR bandwagon? No Reasons to wait!
Be a Part of VR Educational Revolution with TECHVED
TECHVED is a leading digital transformation and design-led engineering company that is constantly improving business solutions with the latest technologies. We create innovative VR solutions to give our clients and customers an immersive experience.
With expertise in the field of virtual reality, we offer a wide range of services: from development, production and maintenance of VR content to support and consulting services.