As guidelines of “good practice” we have used the 10 Key benefits of VR research of Steve Bambury. These benefits answer the question “Why VR?”.
Click on the cards to reveal a specific benefit!
One of the most immediate and exciting benefits of virtual reality (VR) in education is its ability to remove geographical barriers. For schools, this can open up learning experiences that would otherwise be out of reach—whether that’s visiting another country or even taking a virtual trip to the Moon. A standout tool in this area has been Google Earth VR, which has allowed students to explore the entire planet as part of a topic on global exploration.
When comparing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), one useful distinction is the depth of context they provide. For instance, AR might allow a Greek statue to appear in the classroom, but a VR experience like Athenian Acropolis places that statue in its original setting, helping students understand its cultural and historical background more clearly.
VR also offers unique opportunities in history education. By simulating past events and environments, students can gain a stronger sense of what life was like during different periods. For example, apps like Timelooper let students experience moments like The Blitz or the Great Fire of London, while Discovr Egypt provides an immersive tour of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. These experiences can make history feel more immediate and engaging.
While tablets and other digital tools added touch to learning, VR introduces movement and interaction on a whole new level. It engages learners through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic input. A great example is Hold The World, where students can manipulate digital fossils with guidance from Sir David Attenborough; turning learning into a more tactile and memorable experience.
VR allows students to do things that aren’t possible in the real world. They might lift a car to study its engine, paint in three dimensions using light or fire, or teleport from one place to another instantly. These features can make learning more dynamic and even help streamline complex or time-consuming tasks, giving students more time to explore and practice.
One of the key strengths of VR is the freedom it offers. Unlike traditional lessons, VR experiences often let students move and explore at their own pace. Whether diving to the bottom of the ocean in Titanic VR or walking through a virtual version of Ancient Avebury, students are in control of their learning journey. This can encourage curiosity and independent thinking.
VR has the potential to foster empathy by placing students in someone else’s shoes; literally. While it's not a guarantee (as no medium can automatically create empathy), when used thoughtfully, VR can help students better understand different perspectives. For example, immersive storytelling experiences have helped our students connect emotionally with events and cultures they might never encounter otherwise.
VR is also becoming popular in training environments because it allows people to practise skills in a low-risk setting. In education, this means students can build confidence in areas like public speaking with VirtualSpeech or practice biology skills using apps like Victory VR’s Frog Dissection. These tools offer a safe space to experiment, learn from mistakes, and save on real-world resources.
Because VR is experienced through a headset, it naturally minimizes outside distractions. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle to stay focused in typical classroom settings. The immersive nature of VR encourages deep engagement, which can support better information retention and more meaningful learning.
One emerging trend is the use of VR to bring students and educators together from different parts of the world. Platforms like Engage and Altspace (and others) allow for shared, interactive learning spaces that aren’t limited by physical location. As this technology evolves, we may see a shift in how schools operate and collaborate globally.