Introduction
Due to the increased level of technology, there is the development of new teaching technique that has been innovated at any given time. This new teaching technique involves the application of virtual reality, especially in the education system. In the old days, learners were given several examples based on teaching areas that rendered them into the world of Imagination. Due to the increased rate of innovation, there is, therefore, the development of the virtual reality mechanism used by teachers in various classes, especially when they are holding different lectures. VR has been one of the most common and essential aspects of the education system, which has impacted learners positively, especially in the academic field. Therefore, this technique has enabled most learners to understand, acquire and be more innovative in their classes (Sosnilo, 2021). This semester, we have discussed an introduction to Sociology as the main course topic.
In most cases, virtual reality has been applied to the course in various ways through which most of the students have thoroughly understood most of the concepts explained in the class. During the classes, this technique was successfully incorporated, making the understanding level very easy for our course topic. Due to this factor, there is, therefore, the need to review most of the areas covered in the class time based on sociology and, more so, show how virtual reality techniques incorporated during the lecture times have been advantageous to the course. We will also focus on a few disadvantages based on the technique. This will then include an understanding of the sociology of immigration and the four main pillars incorporated in the sociology study. Also, there will be a deep focus on the VR application to the sociological Imagination and, more so, the four sociological theoretical pillars.
Sociological Imagination
Sociological Imagination is the phenomenon that majors the point of interest much more on the individual’s experience versus the society. In most cases, there have been some situations that come into existence in the social setting. During this situation, there is a brief experience that the individuals have towards the solution of the situation. When approaching this situation at any given time, one needs to consider his or her experience with that society (Melinda, 2021). This is commonly viewed as the sociological Imagination. Therefore, we will focus on how VR is used in sociological Imagination as the topic to enhance the education system between and among students.
Structure Functionalism
Structural functionalism is one of the most common theories used to explain various concepts related to sociology as the main topic. Under this theory, there are accurate descriptions of various social structures in any given social system. This includes social classes or, rather, any other societal structure. In most cases, several structures are being found in the societal setting. These structures are therefore analyzed under this theory. Functionalism will be used as one of the routes through which the advantages and, more so, the disadvantages of VR to the education system.
Symbolic Interactions
Symbolic interactions are one of the theories that are used in sociology. Under this theory, there is a profound explanation of the interactions created by human beings from time to time. Some individuals are fond of interacting at any time in every societal setting. Since humans are viewed as social beings, they are therefore found to interact from time to time, making society active. This is therefore explained under this theory. Therefore, this theory will help us analyze the advantages of VR in class situations.
Conflict Theory
Conflict theory is one of the theories used to describe society based on different conflict agencies. Whenever there is an issue in the social setting, some conflicting groups are formed. This is because individuals have different views on the subject matter, and they are found to have different approaches to solving different situations (Nur Fitria, 2023). Conflict theories major the point of focus on various situations that can lead to a conflict in the social system, which leads to the formation of different groups in society. This theory will therefore help us give a precise analysis of VR as one of the improved methods incorporated in the education system to curb various conflicting groups in society as analyzed in this paper.
Postmodernism
In this theory, there is the overall analysis of the pace of understanding between individuals based on any given situation. In most cases, some situations arise in the societal setting. When this situation arises at any given time, every societal group holds their own beliefs, which they view as truth. This theory will therefore help us analyze the incorporation of VR in the education system for the benefit of both individuals and groups in the societal setting.
Advantages and disadvantages of VR in the education system
As said earlier in the paper, VR is viewed as the modern way of incorporating the idea of education or the teaching method in various schools. This has happened due to the improvement of technology or the rate of technological advancement from time to time. VR’s impact on the education system can be viewed as positive or negative, forming the advantages and, more so, the disadvantages, as discussed in every sociological pillar below.
Symbolic interactions
As discussed, symbolic interactions are viewed as one of the main theories explaining the state of interactions between and among individuals in society. When VR is incorporated into the study of symbolic interactions, there are further explanations that are provided based on the circumstances under which individuals should interact in society and, more so, the correct behaviours that should be incorporated by the individuals, especially when interacting from time to time(Alrmuny, 2023). This state begins at the school level, where fundamental interactions exist between the students, teachers and others around the school.
Structural functionalism
In this theory, there is a belief explanation of various structures mainly found within society. These structures can be family, healthcare and others. Incorporating VR in the education system brings about the image of various structures mainly found within the community system. This makes it possible for the learners to learn and understand more about various structures that are found within the community. In addition, VR provides ways to make structures in the societal system. This causes an increase in the number of structures within society. The disadvantage part VR can lead to the formation of unnecessary structures in society.
Conflict theory
This is the sociological theory that is based on various conflicts that exist within the societal system. Under this, there is the description of various conflicts that exist in any given society. Therefore, incorporating VR in the education system gives conflicting individuals tips on how to solve various societal conflicts comfortably. This is one of the main advantages of incorporating VR into the education system.
Postmodernism
VR incorporation in the education system gives out straightforward ways through which teachers and students can reason based on the truth attached to various circumstances. This creates a challenging environment between the teachers and, more so, the students at any given time. This increases the rate of innovations between and among the students and teachers in school, creating a new environment.
Conclusion
VR incorporation in the education system has been one of the most successful methods teachers use to teach and, more so, the learners to read. The innovation has brought about several educationally based advantages, which outweigh the disadvantages. In this case, the VR incorporation process in the education system is therefore viewed as one of the most common activities carried out in the technological field. It should be significantly supported across the global world.
References
Han, Y. (2023). Virtual Reality in Engineering Education. SHS Web of Conferences. (PDF) Virtual Reality in Engineering Education (researchgate.net)
Sosnilo, A. (2021). Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies in Management and Education. Administrative Consulting. 158–163. (PDF) Application of Virtual Reality (VR) Technologies in Management and Education (researchgate.net)
Melinda, Vivi & Widjaja, Andree. (2021). Virtual Reality Applications in Education. International Transactions on Education Technology.
Nur Fitria, Tira. (2023). Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Education: Media of Teaching and Learning: A Review.
Alrmuny, D. (2023). Middle School Students Perceptions, Experiences, and Behaviors Towards Using a Virtual Reality Application to Build Molecules. (PDF) Middle School Students’ Perceptions, Experiences, and Behaviors Towards Using a Virtual Reality Application to Build Molecules (researchgate.net)
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