Does VR and Education go together?

Today, virtual reality is more accessible than ever. You only need a VR headset (available from €19.95) and you can immediately start - often even for free - with showcasing educational Virtual Reality applications!

However, it's important to note that there's a difference in the type of virtual reality headset you use. For instance, the cheaper virtual reality headsets are often those into which you must slide a smartphone. These headsets are called 'Smartphone VR headsets'. This is a fun first step into the virtual world, but it leaves something to be desired for the realwow feelingexperience. A mobile VR headset is very suitable for showing simple virtual reality videos. For example, you can easily display 360-degree videos on YouTube on a smartphone. A fun example of this is the YouTube video 'surrounded by lions'. Another option you have when using a mobile VR headset is that you can create and play a 360-degree video yourself. Use a special360-degree cameradevice for this and play this video on your smartphone while it's in the VR headset.

Are you looking for a more authentic virtual reality experience? Then you'll soon arrive at a standalone VR headset. These headsets are more like the VR headsets people have in mind when they think of Virtual Reality. A standalone headset is a VR headset in which the processor is built into the headset itself. With a mobile VR headset, you have to slide a smartphone into the headset, but this is not necessary with a standalone VR headset. The great advantage of this headset is that you don't need an (expensive) computer to have a fun virtual reality experience. There are already a lot of applications developed that are well suited for this type of headset! A fun example of this is the VR application 'Anne Frank House VR'. In this app, you go back to 1942 - the period when Anne Frank was in hiding in the former Anne Frank House. This is an award-winning educational VR application that very well demonstrates what virtual reality is capable of and how it can be used for educational purposes.

An active VR headset refers to a virtual reality headset that you connect to a computer. These headsets use the computer's graphics card, which can deliver much more graphical power. This results in a much sharper image display compared to a mobile or standalone VR headset. The right choice of an active VR headset depends on what you want to do with it. For example, are you looking for a VR headset that you can put on easily and where you can play basic virtual reality applications and games? Then the Oculus Rift S is a good option, for example. But are you looking for something more professional and do you also want to be able to develop and play your own applications on the headset? Then we recommend the HTC Vive Pro.

In terms of VR applications and games, the games are more extensive compared to smartphone and standalone VR headsets. Because the graphical power of the headset is higher, the applications become a lot nicer and often more extensive. A fun VR application for the HTC Vive is, for example, 'The Body VR: Journey Inside a Cell'. In this application, you literally go on a journey in the human body and along the way, you discover which parts are located in the body, where they are located, and what they look like.

If you've spent all day training to be a space pirate and building fantastic constructs, the Museum is your ticket to a well-deserved break. Surround yourself with 1:1 scale sculptures and paintings and we won't tell anyone if you touch the merchandise! No rope barriers or glass walls here. Feel free to explore the artworks however you want. With Roomscale VR, you can walk around, dive in, and even hug the life-size figures.

Download The VR Museum of Fine Art forSteamhere (free).

In September 1943, a BBC reporter got on a plane during an Allied bombing raid on Berlin. The incredible recording he returned with forms the basis of this breathtaking experience from BBC Northern Ireland and Immersive VR Education, taking you inside a Lancaster bomber as it makes a most dangerous journey.

Download 1943 Berlin Blitz forSteamorOculushere (free).

InMind is a short scientific adventure with arcade elements designed for the Oculus VR. This first demo allows the player to experience the journey inside the patient's brain in search of the neurons causing a mental disorder. Dive into the micro world and experience the wonders of the human mind.

Download InMind VR forSteamorAndroidhere (free).

Experience the most advanced way to learn languages from the comfort of your couch. Mondly VR is a perfect complement to Mondly's main language learning app, allowing you to practice everything you learn. Our virtual characters will show you how fun learning can be! You will receive immediate feedback on your pronunciation, suggestions that enrich your vocabulary, and surprises that transform learning a language with Mondly VR into a unique experience. Take part in realistic dialogues inspired by authentic events: make friends on a train to Berlin, order dinner in a Spanish restaurant, check in at a hotel in Paris. Build your fluency in 30 languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and more.

Download Mondly: Learn Languages forSteam, OculusorAndroidhere (€3.89 - €6.59).

In the legendary Valley of the Queens in Egypt lies the tomb of Queen Nefertari, one of the most detailed windows of the modern world into the journey of the ancient Egyptians to the afterlife. Now, the latest technology has made it possible to digitally scan Nerfertari's tomb with millimeter accuracy. Step into the legendary tomb for the first time and immerse yourself in the story of art, history, construction, and mythology through interactive elements.

Download Nefertari: Journey to Eternity forSteamandOculushere (free)

The VirtualSpeech app helps you improve your soft skills by practicing in realistic VR scenarios. The training spaces include public speaking, sales pitches, networking, business storytelling, and media training. By practicing with VirtualSpeech, students or pupils can practice public speaking in a fun and accessible way.

Download VirtualSpeech forOculusandAndroidhere (free).

Sky's virtual reality experience, Hold the World, offers the unique opportunity for a one-on-one audience with Sir David Attenborough. The groundbreaking interactive experience takes you from the comfort of your home to the Natural History Museum in London, where you can get your hands on rare specimens from the world-famous collection while you go behind the scenes to explore areas usually not accessible to the public.

Download Sky VR: Hold the World forOculushere (€3.99).

Human anatomy is a critical component of medicine. This app embodies a unique approach to learning general anatomy. Thanks to superior graphics, informative content, and innovative features, it provides an enriching and engaging experience. The user operates in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Download Human Anatomy VR for Android here (free).

With Tilt Brush, you can paint in 3D space with virtual reality. Unleash your creativity with three-dimensional brush strokes, stars, light, and even fire. Your room is your canvas. Your palette is your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

Download Google Tilt Brush for Steam and Oculus here (€19.99).

Unimersiv is the largest platform for educational VR experiences. By downloading the app, you gain access to multiple VR experiences that help you learn more about history, space, or human anatomy. With its broad range of educational VR applications, Unimersiv is an excellent app for educational purposes.

Download Unimersiv for Oculus. here (free).