VR Headsets for all Schools?

Should all schools in the UK invest in VR headsets?

11:10 29 March 2018

Recently, East Renfrewshire Council has confirmed that it has invested £250,000 in more than 900 ClassVR devices that provide a virtual and augmented reality designed specifically for teaching.

 

The council’s education convener Paul O’Kane said that the technology provides pupils “with experiences and sensations that they may never experience in reality and brings learning to life in a way that ignites their imagination.”

 

With this new development, will other councils follow their footsteps and invest in classVR devices as well?

 

Dundee City Council admits that VR has already been featured in some of its schools through the use of Google Cardboard. It says that it is very interested and it is going to monitor how this latest development progresses in East Renfrewshire.

 

Angus Council, on the other hand, has “no immediate plans to make what would be a significant financial commitment” even though it recognises “the valuable role that technology plays as a part of the learning experience.”

 

In Fife, the council’s education service change manager Phil Black said that they entertain the idea of using VR in their schools. He said: “We are always looking to further develop our approaches to learning and teaching in Fife. Standing still is not an option for us. The use of technology already plays an integral part in our thinking and classroom practice.

 

“At present, we are in discussion with suppliers about the potential of VR headsets although we are not yet ready to make a final decision about investing in this product.”