THE VIRTUAL REALITY POTENTIAL IN CLASS

This work presents both teachers’ perception and students’ perception about virtual reality (VR).
On the one hand, this paper shows online survey results about awareness of educators at different educational levels in Bulgaria (teachers and principals in kindergartens and schools, university professors, teachers in private schools and future teachers). Survey with the teachers was in 2018. It aimed to collect information about Bulgarian educators' vision and attitudes towards VR technology. The study used a quantitative research method - an electronic questionnaire with 14 questions. Very interesting are the answers of the question “What are the main advantages of using VR in education?” like for example that VR has potencial to "Facilitate learning of difficult concepts".
On the other hand, this paper shows paper-based survey results with primary and secondary school students conducted during the event “Space Rangers”, part of European researchers night 2019. First we equipped students with VR glasses, then students had VR experience and after that they gave a feedback about their VR experience and perception. Study used a quantitative research method - a survey with 7 questions. Students answered with "Yes, I really want" to the question “Would you like VR glasses to be used in class?”.
Based on both surveys results, we consider VR-enhanced learning has its place in class. It is clear teacher and students see the potential in VR technology and VR should be integrated at all levels of the education. It would potentially be a future ready learning, and teacher would help students to acquire more lively and easily 21st century knowledge and skills, which would prepare students for the future jobs.