Virtual reality used to help train teachers

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – You probably associate virtual reality with video games, but the MSU College of Education explored its use for training teachers.

The department hosted a research forum Friday focused on using virtual reality for educational research.

Faculty, students, and educators attended sessions that highlighted research opportunities in simulated environments.

They also explored practical applications for virtual reality in the education sector and the healthcare industry.

What we’re starting to see more and more often is this technology being leveraged for training education purposes, as well as research,” said school psychology professor Dan Gadke. “That’s the most important thing we’re trying to highlight here. We want to expose faculty and students to the context of the technology and introduce them to ways it could be used out in the field and out in school systems in K-12 education.”

Participants also learned about available resources in the region to allow businesses and educators to get hands-on experience.