Exploring the Potential of Virtual Reality in Higher Education
Abstract: The relatively recent adoption of virtual reality (VR) in higher education across multiple disciplines stems from overcoming previous obstacles such as cost, access to equipment, and acceptance. As a result of changes in availability, educational technologists can now provide positive VR experiences for faculty, hopefully increasing their acceptance. Virtual reality opportunities offer many experiences for students that are not possible in the real world, such as 360 videos of historical events, hands-on opportunities that help promote empathy, and first-hand encounters with the circulatory system. By researching the student and faculty experiences at Abilene Christian University, there is a clearer understanding of how VR impacts students’ pedagogical learning.