VIRTUAL REALITY AND ITS APPLICATION IN BIOLOGY CLASSES

Abstract

This material, product of a professional master’s in Education, is an e-book (electronic book) about the pedagogical possibilities of Virtual Reality to teach Biology. Designed for teachers, it aims helping such professionals to implement Virtual Reality in Biology lessons. In the first chapter, it is explained what Virtual Reality is and what its components are, followed by a step by step on how teachers may assemble their own Virtual Reality glasses. In the next chapter, pedagogical aspects of the technology are discussed, such as lesson planning, assessment, and necessary cautions when using Virtual Reality in the classroom. In the last chapter, four possibilities are presented on how to use Virtual Reality during Biology lessons: immersion in biomes around the world through virtual environments, replacement of microscopes in lessons about cells, use of a virtual laboratory, and exploration of virtual museums. The material also has an attachment with blueprints to print and cut out in case the teacher would like to follow the step by step described in the first chapter in order to assemble their own Virtual Reality glasses. A glossary can also be found comprising technical terminology commonly used in the material.