Virtual reality is a multimedia, interactive, computer-based environment whereby a user becomes immersed into a ‘virtually real’ world (Pantelidis, 1993). Research has shown that incorporating VR in the classroom leads to higher creativity and motivation in students (Vo & Huesemann-Odom., 2023). CoSpaces Edu is an excellent tool for teachers to incorporate in their classes as it allows students to create and design their own virtual content.
CoSpaces Edu allows teachers to share immersive 3D experiences with their students enhancing learning outcomes and can be used to teach Science, English, and project-based learning. CoSpaces offers a variety of pre-made spaces including forests, deserts, along with blank spaces for students to build their own environment. Students can add and animate characters through coding allowing them to move characters around. CoSpaces Edu fosters student creativity as students can experiment, collaborate, and personalise their own virtual reality in a fun and engaging way.
CoSpaces Edu uses a constructivist pedagogy as students construct their own knowledge by exploring and discovering through the platforms range of tools. Additionally, it uses a project-based learning pedagogy allowing students to use a variety of skills to work on projects relevant to their interests and needs. Students are also able collaborate with one another and provide feedback to their peers. Teachers can use CoSpaces Edu in Science and English classes to foster creativity. The NSW syllabus outcome ST3-10ES-S for Science and Technology requires Stage 3 students to explain “regular events in the solar system” (NESA, 2017, p.18). Students can create and animate 3D planets and objects in the solar system. The NSW English syllabus, EN4-5C enables Stage 4 students to “use conventions of storytelling in a range of modes and media, eg digital storytelling” (NESA, 2023, p.6). Students can use CoSpaces Edu to create virtual environments bringing storytelling and literature to life through plays and stories.
There are benefits and limitations to using VR in the classroom. CoSpaces offers a free trial, however, the full-featured version requires a paid subscription. The cost of this could be limiting to some schools. Additionally, CoSpaces requires internet and access to technology, a constraint for students who cannot afford a device. Furthermore, CoSpaces may be complicated for some students requiring teachers to invest time teaching the software (Kim et al., 2022). Through explicit instructions teachers can break-up learning, lightening cognitive load to make learning easier.
Overall, CoSpaces is a great tool in fostering creativity.
References:
Kim, H., So, H. J., & Park, J. Y. (2022). Examining the effect of socially engaged art education with virtual reality on creative problem solving. Educational Technology & Society, 25(2), 117-129.
NSW Educational Standards Authority (2023). English sample unit: The Storyteller and the story stage 4. Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/assets/global/files/english_s4_sampleu2.pdf
NSW Educational Standards Authority (2017). Science and technology K-6 syllabus: NSW
syllabus for the Australian curriculum. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/ portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/science/science-and-technology-k-6-new-syllabus
Pantelidis, V.S. (1993). Virtual reality in the classroom. Educational technology,33(4), 23-27.
Vo, H., & Huesemann-Odom, P. (2023, January 13). Virtual reality and creativity: Lessons learned from a luminaire design project. IntechOpen. Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://www.intechopen.com/online-first/85530
Hi Gemma,
Great blog post. I especially enjoyed your inclusion of images, really helped me understand how VR looks when being used and enjoyed. I think you did a great job of linking the technology to specific syllabus outcomes in different stages, very helpful for future teachers.
Keep up the fantastic blogs,
Amanda
You mentioned that CoSpaces Edu have a great range of tools, you explained that students can add animations and use code, but is there anything like a drag-and-drop interface that is used? It would be great if you can add some info about that. I like how you have included benefits and limitations, and how you suggested that teachers use explicit instruction to lighten the cognitive load when teaching how to use the software to students. Another suggestion is to add (CC by..your name..) to the pictures and videos that were taken by you. Overall a great read.
Talitha de Jager
11/04/2023
Great blog post Gemma!
Thank you for elaborating on virtual reality and highlighting how VR leads to higher creativity and motivation in students. The implementation of pedagogy, as well as the multiple KLAs you covered, gives a succinct argument about how VR and CoSpaces can be accommodated for within a classroom. The depth of detail for how CoSpaces fosters creativity makes this an incredible read and is quite useful for both teachers and future educators.
The pedagogical critiques discussed are wonderful. However, providing solutions to these limitations would be beneficial for teachers and can allow educators to reflect before implementing these within the classroom. You mentioned that CoSpaces may be complicated for students to use, a solution to this would…
Hi Gemma,
Thanks for your ideas about VR.🎀 I agree that virtual reality can be a powerful tool for enhancing student learning experiences and fostering creativity. The platform allows for a constructivist and project-based learning approach, where students can create and explore their own virtual content, collaborate with peers and personalize their learning experience. The examples given of how CoSpaces Edu can be used in Science and English classes are great illustrations of how this tool can be used to meet specific curriculum outcomes while also engaging students in fun and interactive ways.
Xin li
04/04/2023
Great job explaining the benefits of using VR in the classroom! I'm very impressed with links to multiple KLAs, and your explanations of the limitations of using VR in the classroom. Your blog is easy to read, and engaging. Well done!
02/04/2023