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PM SHRI Schools Implement Virtual Reality Labs to Enhance Science Learning
The textbook is not the only place for science lessons. With virtual reality (VR) labs, PM SHRI schools offer students a unique opportunity for a hands-on approach to understanding scientific principles. They transform abstract concepts from drawings to interactive learning.
From a recent Ministry of Education blog post, we learn about Akshita, a Class XI student, who describes her learning experience as a creative process. In the blog post, we also see a student using VR in an immersive learning environment displayed on a large touch screen in the classroom. This is a progressive step in line with the vision for PM SHRI schools. Established as a centrally sponsored scheme, the intent is to create more than 14,500 model schools providing safe and stimulating learning environments and resources.
When Science Becomes Immersive
VR can display phenomena that cannot easily be explained on paper. It provides more dimensions to textbook illustrations and diagrams as well as to verbal descriptions. This new layer of science learning can help students understand hard-to-illustrate structures, processes and phenomena.
From the Ministry's blog post, we see learning through VR labs as a way to make science more interactive.
How do VR labs work in classrooms?
With virtual reality labs, teachers are able to model lessons with digital simulations of physical settings or activities. Depending on the application, students can interact with simulations of objects, models, or experiments. VR labs do not automatically replace physical labs. Instead they can supplement a lab setting where students can investigate a topic multiple times from different perspectives.
VR science learning research indicates that in cases where inquiry-based virtual labs are implemented, students built an understanding of scientific concepts. The level of understanding varies based on the structure of the lab and the integration of the technology in the teaching approach. One study of school students’ use of VR to conduct a lab showed that students using VR saw an improvement in lab performance when compared to students who were passive audiences to a peer lab using VR.
It’s important to note that VR is not instructional. The actual learning design surrounding VR is most important.
Why Immersive Learning Could Matter
In traditional science, students are asked to decode and visualise verbal instructions and diagrams. VR can reduce the cognitive gap between the student and the presentation of science concepts. A review of existing immersive technologies use in STEM education found that VR, AR (augmented reality), and MR (mixed reality) can enhance student engagement, motivation, and interaction when used appropriately in learning scenarios.
VR can allow multiple attempts at an activity without investing in equipment and laboratory setup for each attempt. However, this is not a substitute for hands-on laboratory work. Physical laboratory work retains its value and importance.
PM SHRI’s Use of Technology in Learning
Building schools with a range of learning technologies is part of the PM SHRI School Project which aims for schools to have a range of learning experiences with appropriate resources and facilities. Lessons from these schools show potential for adoption by all schools in the country.
The project is starting implementation in the 2022-23 to 2026-27 period with over 20 lakh students expected to gain from it. Ultimately, the Ministry is interested in whether teaching methods that work in the classroom can be expanded to the larger student population.
The Student Experience Is the Ultimate Test
For Akshita, the science experience is more like a hands-on workshop, rather than a packet of instructions to be read and instructions to be memorized. The answer to the question “Does it help students to understand better?” is the most important evaluation of educational technology. A cool piece of VR equipment will attract interest momentarily, but a cool virtual lab can be much more.
It can give students the ability to think of something, act on that idea, and see what happens. Research has also shown that the effectiveness of a VR simulation is increased if students are allowed to explore and act in the virtual world rather than see it as a passive experience.
What Comes Next for VR in Indian Schools?
As VR-based learning systems become more accessible, the broader potential for school systems shifts away from using technology to make classes more exciting and more towards using technology to help students better understand complex ideas. The main challenge will be ensuring teachers receive all the support needed; simulations are focused on satisfying the objective of the curriculum and technology is only incorporated into the learning process when they actually help students learn better.
For PM SHRI schools, VR labs will be one of many changes that will first lead to a more experiential learning approach integrated with technology. The real goal will be for students to leave the classroom with an understanding of things that were previously hard to even imagine.
Final Thoughts
Virtual reality systems empower students to engage with science in a new way that is more visual and can even be defined as experiential. This is captured by Akshita's Class XI experience, and research even suggests that interacting with virtual learning environments can support students' understanding.
The systems themselves will not change education unless educators create systems to connect virtual learning to curriculum, discussion and in-person learning. Should the balance be reached the laboratory of the future will not require that students stay inside the school building.
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