Unlocking the Power of VR in Education: Top VR Applications, Discover XR, and Emerging Trends

Virtual Reality is transforming education by creating immersive, interactive learning experiences that increase student engagement and retention. Before you can begin deploying VR in the classroom, you need to find the right content for your students. A great place to start is by exploring and trialing the latest top VR applications in education.

This article examines how to select the ideal VR apps and content for the classroom, pathways to acquire custom content, and key trends influencing VR app development.

Top VR Applications for Every Major Subject

ManageXR’s platform supports a wide range of educational apps tailored to enhance learning across various subjects. Here are just some of the most impactful VR apps in each subject area. 

Science

• 10K Science: From discovering a CRISPR treatment for sickle cell disease to investigating the microscopic insect anatomy of an invasive species, 10k Science seamlessly adapts to diverse educational uses with its state-of-the-art instructional design.
• Nano Genetics: Learn Mendelian genetics and save the world from a strange virus in the process.
• Vic’s Science Studio: Boost your students’ engagement with the first virtual chemistry lab that reflects the real world.
• Futuclass: Ignite excitement for chemistry and physics with immersive, game-based lessons.

Math

• Prisms: Used in schools across 60 locations, Prisms helps students tackle algebra and geometry through real-world problem-solving scenarios in immersive environments.
• Math World VR: This app gamifies math concepts like fractions and geometry, making abstract ideas more tangible and engaging.

History

• Anne Frank House VR: Travel back to the years of the Second World War and wander through the rooms of the Annex that housed the group of 8 Jewish people as they hid from the Nazis. Immerse yourself in Anne’s thoughts as you traverse each faithfully recreated room.
• BluePlanet VR Explore: Explore various historical and natural sites. Interweave the content from this app with history lessons to give students an immersive field trip.

Language Arts

• Reading World VR: 12 Fun Mini Games To Help Boost Reading Skills
• ENGAGE: A versatile platform used by virtual schools like OptimaEd, ENGAGE offers virtual spaces for collaboration and literature discussions.

See the full list of VR apps you can trial for free on Discover XR. 

How to Access VR Apps Through ManageXR

ManageXR streamlines the process of discovering and deploying high-quality educational apps with Discover XR, ManageXR’s built-in app library. Discover XR enables administrators to deploy free Instant Apps to their fleet and connect with content providers for custom VR applications. See the full list of Discover XR partners here. Here are three steps to explore and start using Instant apps:

1. Explore Instant Apps on Discover XR: Navigate to the Discover XR platform within ManageXR to browse curated Instant Apps. These demo-sized apps are free to try and offer educators an opportunity to evaluate their suitability before committing to full versions.
2. Add Apps to Your Content Library: Once you find an app you like, add it to your VR Content Library.
3. Deploy Apps Across Devices: Add apps to your configurations across your fleet of devices. This ensures all headsets are fitted with the content of your choosing.

To access the full version of the app, use the request form on Discover XR to contact developers directly.

Need Custom Content? Partner with Content Providers

Are you seeking customized content for your unique curriculum? Content Providers can help! Content Providers can work with you to build custom content for your VR fleet. Connect with Content Providers through Discover XR by sending them a message.

Finding Additional Apps Not Listed on Discover XR

If you’re looking for apps beyond those available on Discover XR, check platforms like the Meta Quest store (Shared Mode Meta Quest devices, however, cannot access Meta Quest store content), PICO store, and SideQuest for additional educational content. Here’s more detail on how to add external apps to your ManageXR content library. 

Top Trends in VR App Development

The landscape of VR education is evolving rapidly - and each year hundreds of new apps are launched. Here are five key trends shaping the development of VR apps this year.

1. Curriculum-aligned Content

App dveelopers are prioritizing creating content that integrates with existing school curriculum. Prisms for example builds VR STEM modules aligned with core classes, like Algebra I and Geometry. 

2. Gamification of Learning

Developers are incorporating game mechanics into educational apps to boost engagement and motivation among students.

3. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Newer apps are being designed to work seamlessly across different headsets (e.g., Meta Quest, Pico), making adoption easier for schools with mixed hardware setups.

4. Accessibility Features

Developers are prioritizing accessibility by including features such as voice commands, text-to-speech capabilities, and customizable interfaces for students with special needs.

Key Takeaways

Virtual Reality is unlocking new possibilities in education by making learning more immersive, interactive, and accessible than ever before. With tools like ManageXR’s device management platform and Discover XR, educators can easily find and deploy top-tier educational apps across subjects ranging from STEM to language arts. As trends like curriculum-aligned VR content and increased accessibility features continue, schools that embrace VR today will be at the forefront of tomorrow’s educational innovations. 

Learn more about how to scale your VR program with ManageXR. Book a meeting today.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about VR apps and content for education

1. What is ManageXR’s Discover XR?

Discover XR is a VR app library where educators can find curated Instant Apps (free demos), connect with content providers for custom solutions, and access hardware partners for pre-configured headsets.

2. How do I try an Instant App?

Navigate to Discover XR within ManageXR, select an Instant App from the library, add it to your content library, and deploy it remotely across your devices by adding it to a configuration.

3. Can I add apps not listed on Discover XR?

Yes! You can upload external apps directly into ManageXR or contact developers through the platform for custom solutions.

4. What are some examples of top VR educational apps?

Examples include:

• Prisms (math problem-solving)
• Titans of Space (astronomy)
• ENGAGE (language arts collaboration)

5. What trends should schools watch in VR education?

Key trends include curriculum-aligned VR modules, gamification of learning, cross-platform compatibility, and enhanced accessibility features.