The 10 Most Entertaining Classroom Activities To Do in VR

Learning never has to be boring ever again!

When we think about some of the cartoons we grew up with, like The Magic School Bus, Mrs. Frizzle invited all her students on scientific adventures that allowed hands-on, eye-level learning, not just reading and reciting from a textbook. These learning experiences created lasting impressions because they weren't just memorization techniques, they were lived experiences. So what makes a difference? The answer is simple: immersion.

Here is our list of the 10 most entertaining classroom activities to do in VR!

What is Experiential Learning & How Can Virtual Reality Help?

Experiential learning is defined as “learning through experience.” This type of learning is often contrasted with traditional learning, which typically involves listening to lectures, reading texts, and working on problem sets.

There are a number of advantages to experiential learning. First, it allows students to learn in a way that is more active and engaged. Second, it helps students to understand concepts in a more concrete way. And third, it can be more fun and exciting than traditional learning.

Virtual reality has the potential to provide immersive experiences that can help students learn in an experiential way. When students are engaged in learning experiences that are both immersive and interactive, they are more likely to remember what they have learned and be able to apply it to real-world situations.

The Limits of Traditional Classrooms

Humans are unique. We don’t all learn in the same way, at the same pace, or with the same level of interest. And yet, our education system often treats us as though we do.

In a traditional classroom, the educator is in charge of pacing, curriculum, and assessment. Students are expected to sit in rows, be quiet, and raise their hands if they want to speak. If a student is struggling to keep up, or if they are bored and not engaged, there is little that can be done to adjust the lesson to meet their needs. Virtual reality has the potential to change all of that for students with different learning styles.

By using VR, educators can create custom learning experiences that are tailored to each individual student. Students with ADD or ADHD can benefit from moving around and exploring their virtual environment. Students who are shy or introverted can participate in class without having to worry about being called on or being in the spotlight. Lastly, students who are struggling with a concept can receive immediate feedback and support through interactive VR simulations.

The 10 Most Entertaining Classroom Activities to do in VR

1. Use VR To Visualize Math

Math is often too abstract for some students. They can see the numbers and symbols on the page, but they can’t visualize what they mean. This can make it difficult to understand concepts and solve problems.

With VR, you can transport your students into a world of numbers and symbols and help them see what they mean. You can create an environment where they can manipulate objects and see the results of their actions. This can be a powerful way to help them understand math concepts and solve problems.

2. Take A Virtual Field Trip

Field trips are a great way to engage students in learning, but they can be logistically difficult and expensive. With VR, you can take your students on virtual field trips to any location in the world.

You can visit historical sites, go on safari, or explore the ocean’s depths. You can also visit places that are difficult or dangerous to visit in real life, such as volcanoes or even outer space. Not only are these experiences fun, but students can learn a lot from them.

Some ideas for virtual field trips include:

The Great Pyramid of Giza
The International Space Station
The surface of Mars
Virtual environments in books read in class (e.g. Narnia, Hogwarts, etc.)

3. Experience Different Perspectives

One of the great things about VR is that it can transport you into someone else’s shoes. This can be a powerful way to help students understand different perspectives.

For example, you could put students in the shoes of a character from a book you’re reading in class. They could experience the events of the story from that character’s perspective. This can help them understand the character’s motivations and the events of the story in a deeper way.

You could also use VR to simulate historical events. Students could experience what it was like to be a soldier in the Civil War or a pioneer on the Oregon Trail. This can help them understand what life was like in different times and cultures.

4. Learn A New Language

Learning a new language can be difficult, but VR can make it easier. There are now VR applications that can transport you into a foreign country where you can practice your language skills in a realistic setting.

This can be a fun and immersive way to learn a new language. You can practice your speaking, listening, and reading skills in a real-world setting. This can help you understand the language more quickly and effectively.

5. Distance Learning

VR can be used for distance learning. If you have students who are unable to come to class in person, you can use VR to bring the classroom to them.

There are now VR applications that allow you to create a virtual classroom. Students can log in and participate in class from anywhere in the world. This can be a great way to include all students in the learning process.

6. Enhance Your Presentations

If you’re giving a presentation, you can use VR to enhance your visuals. There are now VR applications that allow you to create virtual slideshows. The slides can be interactive and you can even include 3D objects.

This can be a great way to make your presentations more engaging and visually appealing. It can also help you convey complex information in a more understandable way.

7. Create Virtual Laboratories

If you’re teaching a science class, you can use VR to create virtual laboratories. This can be a great way to help students understand complex scientific concepts.

In a virtual laboratory, students can experiment with different variables and see the results of their actions. This can be a powerful way to help them understand how the scientific process works, without risking any real-world safety concerns.

8. Take A Virtual Tour

If you’re teaching history or an art class, you can use VR to take your students on a virtual tour of a museum or historical site. This can be a great way to engage students in learning.

Museums and historical sites often have a lot of information that can be overwhelming for students. With VR, you can focus on specific exhibits and provide information in an easily digestible format. This can help students learn more about the subject matter and retain the information.

9. Hold History Lessons in the Geographically Correct Location

If you’re teaching a history class, you can use VR to transport your students back in time. With VR, you can visit historical sites and see them as they were in the past and present. Touring Rome, for example, would show the Colosseum in its current state as well as how it looked when it was first built.

This can be a great way to engage students in learning. Seeing historical sites in person can be a great way to learn, but it’s not always possible. With VR, you can bring historical sites to your students.

10. Do Physical Education Indoors

Dancing games, such as Beat Saber, can get students up and moving while they’re indoors. This can be a great way to get students to exercise when the weather is bad or when there’s no time for a traditional PE class.

VR can also be used to teach yoga or other forms of exercise. This can be a great way to get students to try something new and get them moving.