Virtual reality is an immersive experience in a digital world that is accomplished with a headset and controller and the software of the virtual experience that responds to sensory input from the controller
VR defined
Modern History of VR Still in the Making
Clive Thompson (2017) writes for the Smithsonian that VR technology began in 1838 with the invention of the stereograph, which enabled the brain to construct a three-dimensional image from two-dimensional images taken at slightly different perspectives. As is often the case with new technologies, the stereograph was first marketed for entertainment before eventually being pitched to schools.
The concept behind VR may have begun before the twentieth century, but the technology wasn’t available until the late twentieth century. The first head-mounted display was created in 1968, and Sega launched the first head-set for the gaming industry in 1991, but it wasn’t until the twenty-first century that VR could reach its potential with the help of new technology like LCD and tilt screens.
With the technology readily available, Palmer Luckey created the first prototype of the Oculus Rift in 2010 while still a university student (Clark, 2014). He created a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 to develop the prototype, and by 2014, Facebook bought the Oculus company. With such a recent modern history of VR, it is not surprising the VR has not yet reached its full potential, particularly in educational contexts. The history of VR is still in the making.
VR has many applications. A long-standing popular example from the entertainment world is the flight simulator.
Beyond VR
VR is just one facet of computer simulation technology in use today. Known collectively as XR, 'Extended Reality' refers to a suite of modes with varying degrees of immersion, interactivity, multi-user participation, and the merging of real-world objects with simulated ones.
What sets VR apart from other types of computer simulation is its emerging use throughout all levels of instruction, including K-12, higher education, and professional development.