Exploring Application Ways of Virtual Reality Technology in Science Education

과학교육에서 가상현실 기법의 활용 모색

Virtual reality technology is very useful for the 21C science education, and is able to contribute to the development of new teaching and learning methods in science education. One of these computer-based technologies, virtual reality, is possible to use in many directions. It is a new communication medium that is receiving a lot of attention, and is usually identified by a collection of technological hardware. Virtual reality is defined as a highly interactive, computer-based, multimedia environment in which the user becomes the participant, with the computer in a virtual real world. A key feature of virtual reality is real-time interactivity, in that the computer is able to detect user inputs and instantaneously modify the virtual world. It is being used in a wide variety of fields including physics, chemistry, human biology, biomedical sciences, military, architecture, industry and the entertainment. In classroom, using science educational program developed by virtual reality technology can increase the interests of students, promote understanding of basic science concepts, help laboratory skills, and encourage creative learning for them.