Virtual Reality in Physical Education
Virtual reality has become accessible through Google Cardboard (~$30), mobile apps, and Youtube 360 degree videos. Here are some ideas on how virtual reality can be implemented into a education program now and in the coming future (also see these examples of VR in physical education from Twitter):
- Assessing your lessons with greater fields of view.
- Creating recruitment videos for your program (example from a university).
- Drug and alcohol education.
- Helping students get over their fears (ie. fear of heights and other phobias).
- Improved learning compared to non-immersive activities.
- Increasing motivation and performance during exercise.
- Learning tactical decisions through simulations.
- Practicing presentations to a virtual audience.
- Providing meditation and stress management type applications.
- Simulating teaching experiences in teacher education programs.
- Social and emotional learning applications and teaching about ableism.
- Special Education applications.
- Taking a tour of the human body and its inner systems.
- Taking a tour of the school facilities for students, parents, and teachers.
- Taking students on virtual field trips to athletic events and sites.
- Teambuilding apps.
- Teaching 1st aide and CPR.
- Using in driver's education (texting example and drunk driving example).
- Watching demonstration videos that offer more viewing angles.