Virtual Reality (VR), is an immersive multimedia or computer-simulated reality that replicates a physical environment in places in the real world or an imagined world, allowing the user to interact (Kavanagh, 2017). VR experiences have the potential to change the way students think and behave, through added motivation and hands-on learning, (Nicas, 2015). CoSpaces Edu is a classroom-friendly creation app accessible on the web and mobile that can be used and viewed in Virtual Reality.
Fostering Creativity:
Students' creativity is fostered through CoSpace's endless creations. This prompts storytelling as students can create their own narratives with characters while also making a plot through the coding element. By “presenting their stories in multiple modalities”, students display a deeper understanding outside of the normally written stories, (Kim, 2021).
As well as satisfying outcomes in English, CoSpaces is suitable across all subjects due to its flexibility in use. Focusing on Geography, students can complete the stage 2 learning outcome GE2-1, by examining features and characteristics of the place and environment, (NESA, 2015). This can be displayed in any geographical environment such as the environment shown in the below image. In this image, students can see a mini-functioning environment with deer eating grass and drinking water, while water also revitalises the grass. Ultimately, with a VR headset, students can enter this world, creating new interests and a more conceptual understanding of the environment.
CC by Harrison Britton
Pedagogical Critiques
Despite CoSpace's many benefits to the classroom, the technology brings pedagogical issues that may cause divide and unsettlement in the classroom. Firstly, a lack of guidance on how to navigate the software may lead to students being unable to utilize the features necessary for facilitating creativity.
Furthermore, although Cospaces has an abundance of creative options, it does not include many customization options, in terms of creating drawings and characters from scratch. This may hinder its ability to be used in lessons as teachers must ensure students can develop what they are being asked to develop.
CC by Harrison Britton
Technical issues also pose a small problem as CoSpaces requires a stable internet connection. Low levels of bandwidth may lead to slow load times, and even freezing of the application. Using CoSpace through a VR lens, students need to be able to move around freely without connectivity issues to gain a full experience.
Ultimately, VR has the capability to change the way students think and behave. If CoSpaces Edu is used correctly, student creativity can flourish.
References:
CoSpaces Edu. (2020). CoSpaces in the Oculus Browser - CoSpaces Edu Tuesday Tip. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs6fUvnb2QQ
CoSpaces Edu. (2019). Make AR & VR in the Classroom. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUR9i60zLo8
Kavanagh, S., Luxton-Reilly, A., Wuensche, B., & Plimmer, B. (2017). A systematic review of virtual reality in education. Themes in Science and Technology Education, 10(2), 85-119.
Kim, D., Coenraad, M., & Park, H. R. (2021). Digital storytelling as a tool for reflection in virtual reality projects. Journal of Curriculum Studies Research, 3(1), 101-121.
NSW Educational Standards Authority. (2015). Geography K-10 Syllabus. NESA.
Nicas, J. (2015). What happens when virtual reality gets too real. Wall Street Journal Digits. Retrieved from: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2016/01/03/what-happens-when-virtual-reality-gets-too-real/.
Hi Harry Thank you very much for your post! I really enjoyed your practical implication of this program and how it can be effectively utilised within many subjects, including English and geography! I also enjoyed you described how CoSpaces could foster creativity through its storytelling and describing abilities, as students can display their prior knowledge through different formats within VR and multifunctioning environments. Very well said! One thing I would like to mention is that you have greatly described the pedagogical limitations of this program, but I would like to know which pedagogical advantages you think this program would provide. I personally think constructivism and cognitivism as students can solidify their knowledge through creating a product! Thank you very much for this post,…