Virtual reality simulators could also be used for other real-life purposes, such as training people in cross-cultural communication. For example, an American businessman could practice appropriate negotiation skills with a virtual Japanese client. The beauty of virtual reality used for educational purposes is its ability to present a simplified reality to the beginner, with complicating factors stripped out of the scenario until the student is ready to handle more complexity. For example, a flight school student may use a simulator to practice landing a plane and as he or she gets more comfortable the system may add a crosswind to the simulation.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Education and Virtual Reality
In chapter 12, Terri Toles Patkin, the articles' author discusses the use of multimedia simulation in education. I found the idea of a virtual "internship" particularly interesting. Patkin says, "Students could try working in a small family business or a Fortune 500 headquarters during a single semester. They could then select the type of organization they would prefer to concentrate their efforts on in the future." (p. 204) He goes on to say that such a virtual organization would supplement, not replace, textbook, classroom and internship experiences.
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Good point about simplifying reality, but that is also the drawback, as it leads you to think you know how to do something in reality when reality is much more complex.
ReplyDeleteGood point, colleges should better prepare their students for real world experiences.
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