– your gateway to the transformative world of digital educational materials, where authenticity meets innovation in teaching and learning.
VirtualRealia: Digitize Tomorrow, Today!
Welcome to VirtualRealia.org
What is Virtual Realia?
Virtual realia refers to the digital representation of real-life objects, scenarios, and experiences used for educational purposes. By leveraging technology, we bring a tangible aspect to learning, enabling educators to illustrate concepts vividly and engage students more effectively. Our platform hosts a diverse range of VR materials, from historical artifacts to scientific simulations, making education an immersive and interactive experience.
The Founding Team
VirtualRealia.org was conceived and developed by a group of passionate educators, tech enthusiasts, and academic professionals. Our team combines expertise in education, technology, and content curation to deliver a user-friendly and impactful platform. We are committed to continuous innovation and excellence in serving the educational community.
Our Vision
We envision a world where education transcends traditional boundaries, powered by the accessibility and versatility of virtual realia. Our goal is to establish VirtualRealia.org as a leading digital platform for educators and learners worldwide, fostering a dynamic and collaborative educational environment. In the future, we aspire to evolve into a prestigious organization and the official website for the Virtual Realia Journal, setting new standards in educational publishing and research.
Our Mission
At VirtualRealia.org, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the educational landscape by providing an extensive repository of digitized authentic materials. Our mission is to enhance the teaching and learning experience across various fields through the innovative use of virtual realia (VR). We aim to create an educational community where members can access, share, and enrich their teaching methodologies using these digital resources.
History of VirtualRealia.org
Beginnings: The Foundational Experiment (2004)
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Origin
The idea for VirtualRealia.org originated from an experiment conducted in 2004 at Clifford School in Guangzhou City, China.
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Purpose
The experiment aimed to assess the effects of virtual realia materials on the English performance of Chinese learners.
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Results
The experimental group, which utilized virtual realia, showed marked improvement in spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension compared to the control group, as evidenced by pre-test and post-test results.
2016
Academic Recognition and Publication
- Master’s Thesis: The experiment was part of a Master’s thesis for an MA in ESL at Manuel L. Quezon University.
- Publication: In 2016, an article highlighting the importance of virtual realia materials in teaching was published in the Language Centre Forum of Sultan Qaboos University. This publication was authored by the same researcher who conducted the initial experiment.
2023
Establishment of VirtualRealia.org
- Website Launch: On November 11, 2023, the website virtualrealia.org was officially founded.
- Vision and Mission: The website was conceived as a realization of the initial experiment, aiming to develop into a professional organization. Its goals extend beyond promoting the digitization of authentic materials; it seeks to foster sharing, preservation, and the advancement of knowledge in related disciplines.
- Future Aspirations:
- Journal Publication: Plans include launching a journal to publish research in relevant fields.
- Professional Development: VirtualRealia.org intends to host conferences and workshops to facilitate professional development and knowledge sharing among educators and practitioners.
Multinational Collaboration
- Board Composition: The organization is being formed with multinational board members and incorporators, all of whom are experts and experienced practitioners in their respective fields.
This history shows VirtualRealia.org as an embodiment of innovation and dedication to educational advancement, particularly in the realm of language learning and technology integration. The organization’s roots in empirical research and its evolution into a platform for professional development and knowledge dissemination signify its commitment to enhancing educational practices through technology.
Dr. Don Anton Robles Balida
Founder
WHY CHOOSE US
Our Platform's Core Features
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Digital Repository
A comprehensive, searchable database of VR materials categorized by subject, grade level, language, and more, complete with preview options.
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Lesson Plans
A collection of user-submitted lesson plans incorporating VR materials, filterable to suit diverse educational needs.
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Community Engagement
A forum for educators to exchange ideas, discuss best practices, and explore the creative use of VR in teaching.
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Resource Center
Regularly updated articles, tutorials, and guides on the latest educational trends, VR applications, and instructional strategies.
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Support and Interaction
Easy access to FAQs, technical support, and opportunities for feedback to enhance user experience.
The Long-term Plan
Looking Ahead
As we grow, VirtualRealia.org will introduce membership programs, offering exclusive content, advanced training, and networking opportunities. Our journey will culminate in the establishment of the Virtual Realia Journal, a platform for scholarly articles and research in the field of education technology.
Embracing Diversity and Accessibility
We are committed to making education accessible to a global audience. Our platform supports multiple languages and is designed for seamless accessibility on various devices. We continuously work towards optimizing our website for better reach and engagement.