Virtual Reality: Enhancing Learning Outcomes Beyond the AI Hype
Written by Meeti Shah, Mindflight7 VR in Education Specialist
Five years ago, virtual reality in education was often seen as little more than a novelty—a "carrot" for engagement or a tool for entertainment. Today, the conversation has completely changed. VR is now a powerful tool for differentiation, building student confidence, scaffolding complex topics, and encouraging deep exploration.
So, what has led to this shift? The answer lies in how VR directly addresses some of the biggest challenges facing today's students. We're seeing rising student disengagement, boredom, apathy, and even lesson truancy. Students can also fall into stereotypes about career roles. VR combats this by creating immersive, engaging experiences. In a four-week study across 16 schools involving 1,338 students, an incredible 96% of students remained engaged after a 60-minute Mindflight7 VR session.
Looking ahead, the future of work demands a new approach to learning. By 2030, an estimated 1 billion people will need reskilling, and 23.5 million jobs will utilize VR/AR technology. VR helps bridge this skills gap by providing hands-on training that connects theory with practice, equipping students with the skills they'll need for a changing job market. Studies have shown that VR can boost knowledge retention by up to 75%.
The uses of VR in education are incredibly diverse and impactful. It can reduce sensory input and help students regulate their emotions. VR allows students to practice employability skills with real-time feedback and improves the learning of abstract concepts. It also provides opportunities for unique experiences like virtual work placements, religious pilgrimages, or once-in-a-lifetime journeys that would be impossible in a traditional classroom.
Of course, introducing a new technology like VR comes with challenges. Teachers often worry about the extra work required to align VR with the curriculum and express fear of a loss of control in the classroom. Other concerns include cost, unreliable internet, and the simple fear of change. Mindflight7 understands these hurdles and provides support to help educators overcome them.
In conclusion, VR has moved far beyond a novelty. It's an essential tool for engaging students, fostering a growth mindset, and preparing them for the future of work. By using VR, we can provide innovative solutions to the educational challenges of today and tomorrow.
Meet the Mindflight7 Team at NES 2025
Meeti Shah and Lucas Soklevski from Mindflight7 will be at the National Education Summit 2025 in Melbourne on 28th-29th of August to provide an overview of virtual reality in education and discuss how it can enhance learning outcomes in your classroom. You can also meet the Mindflight7 team at booth B42 to learn more about their VR services and experience a live demonstration.