Use of New Technology in Different Streams of Education: An Evaluation of Virtual Reality Application in Tamil Nadu

Educationalists always strive hard to make it effective. Different age groups require different approaches to teaching and learning. Various disciplines of education solicit varied use of pedagogy. Technology plays an important role in teaching- learning process. Technology makes teaching more effective and meaningful. Virtual reality makes learning experiential. It gives completely 3D environment with 360-degree perspective, created using the combination of software and compatible hardware. These significant 3D techniques track the changes in user movements and project the object like those in real world.In last, 5 years, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have attracted the interest of investors and the general public, especially after Mark Zuckerberg bought Oculus for two billion dollars. It has created new resources for teaching and making learning as fun. It will help the students to have hands on training and witness different point of views from historical events or human physiology. Virtual Reality plays a dynamic role in Life-or-Death implication like submarine technology, underwater studies, fighter jet training, Space Studies, Mining courses and defence studies. It can also be used in skill based training also, driving simulations can train tank drivers before allowing them to operate the real vehicle.A relatively tiny VR device will even act as an entire research lab. It can be of great benefit to instructors to have a tool such as the VR at their disposal, if it is paired with the right content. But such technologies are costly and almost impossible. They are also very limited in doing possible things.Currently, videogames supported by VR tools are very popular than the past, and they represent valuables, work-related tools for neuroscientists, psychologists, biologists, and other specialist as well. The virtual reality yet to enter class rooms in Indian education system. Effective use of this technology will enhance the learning and foster the creativity. However, the use of technology in education has taken a great momentum during COVId-19 pandemic as students are unable attend the class rooms and labs physically. Therefore, present study world explores the possibilities of virtual reality inclusion in the teaching at various disciplines of education. Study specifically looks into present status of virtual reality use in the education in Indian context, technology used in virtual reality, to know the level of preparedness among the educational institutions and stakeholders, to understand the process of including virtual reality in various disciplines of education. To accomplish the objectives of the study the researcher reviewed the literatures and analyse the documents along teaching resources available with major institutions which are using virtual reality technology in education. Data collected through structured interview among the teachers and virtual reality developers. The study was conducted in Tamil Nadu. This paper discusses about the pros and cons of using this new technology at present situation in education. The study throws light upon new dimensions of education.