To conclude, our website has explained what VR technology is, looking at what kind of experiences it can offer from training simulators for training surgeons and paramedics, communicating as avatars via the internet to a social experiment that was conducted, simulating what it would be like to be homeless to test whether VR could create empathy within people. Identifying the potential of VR technology being implemented into schools in the classroom to support the curriculum in areas such as Geography, English and potentially within PSHE to combat the issue of bullying/ cyberbullying. How this could enhance children’s learning whilst still addressing the potential issue of digital natives verses digital immigrants abilities to adapt to new technology. This website also discusses Assistive Technology, defining what this term means, giving examples of AT’s, how these technologies can support people of a range of ages with varying disabilities, the benefits and sometimes limitations of AT. As well as assistive technology used to help children with learning difficulties. Tying into how VR can be used as an assistive technology. Reviewing one website that discusses VR being used to distract burn patients during painful burn wound treatment, looking at the virtual reality game SnowWorld and the results patients distracted with this game yielded. The advancements in technology since the early 90’s and the future of VR. Reviewing a blog written by Maria Engel that weighs up the pros and cons of VR technology, some positives being that it allows for anyone with access to the internet to communicate, for training purposes and hyper realistic gaming experiences to some of the negatives being that the technology is still rather expensive, potentially causing a class divide, some of the side effects of prolonged use of VR being it inducing motion sickness and potential illegal activity due to no laws regulating. We have recognised that VR technology still requires modifying to enhance the technology further but our two tech reviews help us to understand where the technology is currently at. The first tech review, reviews Google Cardboard, the cheapest available VR headset that is currently available. In this review it explained how the headset is used along with a smartphone and talks about applications such as Google Earth and Google Street View. How Google Cardboard could be used for educational purposes with primary school level pupils. The second Tech Review looks at Kingspray Graffiti Simulator a game playable on the HTC Vive headset with handheld controllers. This review puts forward the argument that Kingspray Graffiti Simulator could be implemented into art classrooms in schools as a form of creative expression for the students, to creating a new medium of digital art in classrooms. Our section on ethics and safety it expands upon some of the dangers and implications addressed throughout the website. Discussing the concern that the ethical approach to VR technology is falling behind the rapid pace in which the technology is developing and needs to catch up to meet ethical guidelines and put in to place restrictions. The predominant issues being violence and sexual content children are being exposed to along with the concern of individuals who have played VR for prolonged periods of time becoming disassociated from reality, venerable individuals at risk of being scammed for money. Addiction to gaming might lead to further addictions such as gambling addiction. Our website has highlighted the potential of VR technology in education, clinical application and in general the possibilities VR has when it is used appropriately and safely but we have recognised how the technology needs to further develop and what needs to be implemented to ensure users safety, especially younger users to avoid exposure to inappropriate content.
