VIEdu.

In order to eliminate the achievement gap and prepare disadvantaged youth for the future, the American education system must progress in technical innovation. Our system must make sure each student has access to Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence resources and equipment .

Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the latest technological innovations. The American education system must modernize to support these technologies. A Flipped classroom curriculum is the most efficient method of teaching. This method focuses on problem solving, discussions, and in-class assignments with video instruction completed outside the classroom. Both technologies, along with collaborative virtual environments (CVEs), give students the opportunity for secluded, adaptive, and interactive learning simulations for skill mastery. Through machine learning algorithms, AI acts as a virtual coach for students giving each customized feedback. A flipped classroom structure utilizes VR and AI technologies to promote active learning and student involvement.

Disadvantage youth will learn the skills they need to prepare for the 21st century through learning by doing with VR and AI technologies. Traditional learning and textbooks create a disconnect between a subject matter and its real-world application. The most effective way to learn is to have hands-on experience. VR gives students the opportunity to visualize and create procedures, solutions, and outcomes within learning environments. VR in the classroom will promote strong engagement, productivity, and confidence when engaging with real-life simulators.

VR technology can evolve to become a worldwide idea platform. Digital marketplaces, such as App. stores, will give students and other users access to various real-life simulations. Since people have diverse interests, many VR applications will be developed appealing to everyone. VR technology can become a sketch pad for design projects which allow users--including students--to brainstorm, prototype, and test solutions in a virtual world. VR and social media can have an immense impact on society by promoting universal collaboration and Wall Street-like investments. Everyone would have the opportunity to connect and create partnerships.

Many students are not susceptible to traditional lectures, note taking, and “drill and kill” (better known as memorizing). These students experience learning gaps due to their challenges and environments. VR and AI create secluded, interactive learning environments for mastering subject matter content creation, collaboration capabilities, and a virtual coach. All books and lectures provide information but do not allow students the hands-on experience which makes learning fun and engaging. A flipped classroom curriculum and technology encourage self engagement, independence, and development.

Many factors outside of the classroom contribute to the achievement gap. VR gives disadvantaged youth the ability to experience life outside of their level of poverty. CVEs allow students the ability to work jointly on assignments outside of the classroom. Students with transportation issues or guardianship roles are able to participate outside of the class and not be penalized for any limitations or family responsibilities. VR is adaptable to everyone; the most efficient way to learn is by doing. Interactive learning assignments will increase class participation. Students can readily connect to the concept of the distinct simulated environment.

Students must be given the capability to explore an educational topic by engaging the environment as if it were real life. If students were given access to VR, the achievement gap will decrease; lack of experiences contribute to learning gaps. Academic success can be affected by parental support. Disadvantaged students may not have the parental support needed to succeed. AI would fill that void, be the student’s tutor, have knowledge of the subject and capabilities of the student.

Monitor decrease in learning/comprehension gaps on test. - Schools will begin to conduct controlled experiments with VR technology and flipped classroom curriculum.

Teacher tracks completion of interactive learning lessons. - Students’ participation in homework will increase if assignments are interactive.

Social media users will post their virtually-created ideas to the world. - People around the world will utilize VR technology as a sketchpad showcasing their dreams.

For VR to become an effective educational tool, it should be designed to assist the teacher in the classroom. The software will be designed to support the flipped classroom curriculum. The technology is recommended for use outside the classroom. Cloud-connected capabilities will allow teachers to display individual student’s interactive homework assignments in class. The teacher will be able to explain how different types of learners understand complex theories and concepts. Hands-on experience will promote better conversations in the classroom and guide students to their passions.

Students will be able to insert themselves into subject specific learning environments and engage with other students to solve problems. Chemistry is a challenging subject for many students who have difficulty visualizing processes and reactions that are not experienced in everyday life. Virtual Chemistry Lab applications allows users free reign to simulate laboratory procedures and safety precautions without being in an actual laboratory. The software I create will implement AI technologies through Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) using AI to replicate one-on-one human tutoring and present learning activities and feedback according to the learner’s cognitive needs--all without a teacher being present.

The digital device supporting this technology is the VR headset available on the market to everyone. The cost of a headset in the future will decrease from its current market value making it an ordinary product. The impact of Moore’s Law on electronic prices implies more powerful processors will eventually decrease in cost. This will make it affordable for Schools to provide this technology to all students--including the disadvantaged--by implementing it in their curriculum. I believe VR and AI technologies can be utilized to create new learning software and contribute to closing the achievement gap.