MAIA RRESTARAZU
We need virtual reality
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality refers to a computer-generated simulation
in which a person can interact within an artificial three-
dimensional environment using electronic devices, such
as special goggles with a screen or gloves fitted with
sensors. In this simulated artificial environment, the user
is able to have a realistic-feeling experience. Augmented
reality is different from virtual reality, in that augmented
reality, enhances the real world as it exists with graphical
overlays and does not create a fully immersive
experience.
When we talk about Virtual Reality (VR), many of us think
of science fiction films like 'Minority Report'. However,
the truth is that nowadays, this technology completely
blends in with our daily lives. Video games, medicine,
education... Virtual Reality is here to stay. Virtual Reality
(VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes
and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel
they are immersed in their surroundings. This
environment is perceived through a device known as a
Virtual Reality headset or helmet. VR allows us to
immerse ourselves in video games as if we were one of
the characters, learn how to perform heart surgery or
improve the quality of sports training to maximise
performance.
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What can virtual reality do?
Virtual reality technology is used to create immersive experiences that can help education
and even entertain consumers. Outside of its popular gaming use case, virtual reality is applied
in a variety of industries, such as medicine, architecture, military, and others. Virtual reality has
five uses.
Virtual reality can also be used by coaches and players to train more efficiently across a range
of sports, as they are able to watch and experience certain situations repeatedly and can
improve each time. Essentially, it's used as a training aid to help measure athletic performance
and analyse technique.
Examples
The military in the UK and the US have both adopted the use of virtual reality in their training as it
allows them to undertake a huge range of simulations. VR is used in all branches of service: the
army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard. For example: New Virtual Reality Tool Aims To
Reduce Aviation Crashes.
VR is revolutionising the sports industry for players, coaches and viewers. Virtual reality can be
used by coaches and players to train more efficiently across a range of sports, as they are able to
watch and experience certain situations repeatedly and can improve each time. According to Sky
Sports, Sky Worlds is a virtual reality sports viewing experience on Oculus Quest headsets like no
other, with Arsenal facing Manchester United on Saturday at Emirates Stadium.
As mentioned briefly before, another function is for mental health. VR technology has become a
primary method for treating post-traumatic stress. Using VR exposure therapy, a person enters a
re-enactment of a traumatic event in an attempt to come to terms with the event and heal.
According to Medical Device, using virtual reality to overcome anxious social avoidance.
Due to its interactive nature, medical and dental students have begun using VR to practice
surgeries and procedures, allowing for a consequence free learning environment; the risk of
inflicting harm or making a mistake while practicing on real patients is eliminated. For example;
Hospitals turn to artificial intelligence to help with an age-old problem: Doctors’ poor bedside
manners.
A lesser known use of VR is in fashion where it has actually been having quite a profound impact.
For example, virtual simulations of store environments can be extremely useful for retailers to
design their signage and product displays without fully committing to the build like you would in
the real world. According to Vogue, in Berlin, the Reference Festival Brings Fashion, Art, and
Culture Together in Virtual Reality.
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Is virtual reality a good idea?
Many people think that virtual reality is a bad idea for different reasonsFirstly, the most
important thing to trust in some new invention is the risk. This invention has such a small that
almost hasn’t any type of risk. Another advantage is that the scenarios are very realistic, you
feel in the virtual world.
Secondly, it creates interest. No matter what age they have, students will always love to sit and
watch something instead of reading it. VR technology is quite interesting, as it can create
amazing experiences that could never be “lived” in real life. Students will definitely feel more
motivated to learn with the use of this technology.
Conclusion:
Even if VR is quite expensive, it worth to invest in it. Advanced technology is often expensive.
If we wish to expand this virtual reality trend and reach the masses, we have to spend billions
of dollars on these features. More than that, the modern education that takes advantage of
the virtual reality environment will only be accessed by the rich ones. The poor will not afford
it; therefore, we will create inequality in education.
To conclude...
The virtual reality environment is evolving every time. It could bring a lot of benefits to almost
any field, but it can also prove to be harmful. I believe that the modernization of education
through the use of virtual reality can be quite productive. In my opinion it is a good invention
of virtual reality, because it has a lot of very usual advantages, like, it hasn’t any risk, and it
creates interest.
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