Virtual Reality

Background Information:

The virtual reality technologies of today are products of years of experimenting and developing. The term "virtual reality" is a relatively new title, dating back to 1980 when Jaron Lanier, founder of VPL Research, started developing devices needed to experience the newly termed virtual reality experience. Simply put, virtual reality is the simulation of seemingly realistic environments. The technology used to simulate environments has been used for numerous decades, and although it has improved drastically, the function of the technology remains fairly homogenous to the technology used today to provide simulated experiences through virtual reality mediums.


How it Works: 

Virtual reality essentially works by immersing the user into a simulated environment with realistic sounds and movement/interaction capabilities. VR tricks the brain into thinking it is in a 3D world with the use of stereoscopic displays, which works by displaying two slightly different angles of the environment, simulating depth. Spatial audio is used in most VR devices, which emulates sounds from different angles to produce realistic noises in the simulated environment. Many VR devices use an array of sensors to provide the ability of interaction within the simulated world. The sensors can accurately predict where you are looking at any given time while accessing the VR device.


Impact & Future Growth:

In education, virtual reality gives students a first world view of the subjects they learn through the use of virtual simulations. VR has dramatically changed the entertainment industry and improves/enhances many first-person video games.  It is very likely that virtual reality will continue to be developed in the future until it's almost perfected. The knowledge we are capable of obtaining is no longer available at just our hands but in our eyes and imagination.
Advantages:

  1. Can be used for military and surgical training purposes, without the dangers and risks. 
  2. Allows for the opportunity to experience things you wouldn't normally be able to experience.
  3. Improves entertainment and first-person video games.
  4. Makes education more hands-on and enjoyable by allowing students to view the subjects they learn through virtual simulations. 
Disadvantages:
  1. VR devices aren't very cost-efficient.
  2. Disengagement with the real world and could potentially ruin social skills and personal interactions. 
  3. People becoming addicted to virtual worlds and preferring simulation over reality.
  4. Difficulty distinguishing between real and simulated environments/interactions. 

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Information Resources:
Gonzalez, Marcus. “How Will Virtual Reality Impact Humanity?” Medium, Medium, 15 Oct. 2018, medium.com/predict/how-will-virtual-reality-impact-humanity-e7e018180670.
“History of Virtual Reality.” The Franklin Institute, The Franklin Institute, www.fi.edu/virtual-reality/history-of-virtual-reality.
Mullis, Alex. “How Does Virtual Reality Work?” Android Authority, Android Authority, 15 July 2016, www.androidauthority.com/virtual-reality-work-702049/.

Multimedia Sources:
Frausto-Robledo, Anthony. “Future of VR by 2025.” Architosh, FRAUSTO, 1 June 2018, architosh.com/2018/06/infographic-the-future-of-vr-virtual-reality-by-2025/.
Knerl, Linsey. “What Are Virtual Reality Glasses?” HP Official Site, HP Development Company, 11 Aug. 2019, store.hp.com/us/en/tech-takes/what-are-virtual-reality-glasses.
“What Is Virtual Reality & How Does It Work? | Mashable Explains.” YouTube, YouTube, 15 Apr. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBNH8tzsfVM.

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