{"id":5293,"date":"2026-08-25T09:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T09:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/?p=5293"},"modified":"2026-08-25T09:33:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T09:33:18","slug":"bringing-virtual-reality-into-greek-classrooms-ideas-challenges-and-future-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/2026\/08\/25\/bringing-virtual-reality-into-greek-classrooms-ideas-challenges-and-future-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"&#x1f680;Bringing virtual reality into greek classrooms: ideas, challenges and future solutions&#x1f680;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">How can virtual reality create meaningful, inclusive and safe learning experience? <\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two VR4Empathy workshops in Greece brought education stakeholders together to explore the answers. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On <strong>3 and 13 June 2026<\/strong>, the <strong>University of Poloponnese and the Institute of Educational Policy<\/strong> organised two national thematic and networking workshops entitled &#8220;Creative use of Virtual Reality in Education&#8221;. The events brought together <strong>187 participants from 189 organisations<\/strong>, including <strong>schools<\/strong>, <strong>universities<\/strong>, <strong>public authorities<\/strong>, <strong>EdTech organisations<\/strong> and <strong>teacher-training providers<\/strong>. Through expert presentations, interactive activities and collaborative discussions, participants explored how virtual reality can move beyond technological novelty and become a valuable, accessible and sustainable educational tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f393;When does VR really add value to learning?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first workshop, held online on<strong> 3 June<\/strong>, focused on <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">pedagogical, inclusive and safety-related dimensions of educational VR<\/mark><\/strong>. Participants discussed how immersive experiences can be connected to clear learning objectives and integrated into well-structured teaching scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key message emerged from the discussion: technology should support pedagogy &#8211; <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">not replace it<\/mark>. <\/strong>Rather than using VR simply because it is innovative, educators should consider where it can genuinely improve understanding, engagement, empathy and participation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x23f1;&#xfe0f;<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-5-color\">Making VR work within the school timetable<\/mark> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second workshop took place on<strong> 13 June<\/strong> in a blended format, combining and in-person in Corinth, with online participation. This session addressed one of the most practical questions for educators: <strong>How can VR fit into a standard 45 or 90 minute lesson?<\/strong> Participants proposed several practical approaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short immersive activities lasting approximately 5-15 minutes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rotation systems and learning stations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Groups of three to five learners;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clearly defined roles of each student;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parallel worksheets and screen-based activities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time for reflection before and after the VR experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These solutions can help schools to use a limited number of headsets while ensuring that all students remain actively involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" data-id=\"5186\" src=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a-1024x536.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a-1536x805.png 1536w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5_a.png 1659w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"5196\" src=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_2-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"5191\" src=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f9e9;<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">Immersive learning for everyone<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inclusion was a central topic throughout both workshops. Participants highlighted the <strong>importance of providing meaningful alternatives<\/strong> for learners who are unable or prefer not to use a headset due to medical, sensory or comfort-related reasons. Suggested measures included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pair and group work;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer support;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screen-based 2D projection;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternative learner roles;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Differentiated activities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subtitles and language support;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equal participation in follow-up discussions. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The participants stressed that students who do not use a headset should still be fully involved in the learning experience &#8211; not treated as passive observers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f6e1;&#xfe0f;Creating safe and comfortable VR experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear instructions before use and the possibility of immediately and safety leaving an immersive experience were identified as key priorities. Participants also recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping VR sessions short and including regular breaks;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring dizziness, discomfort and cybersickness;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carefully handling sensitive or emotionally challenging content;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleaning and sanitising equipment;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conducting technical checks before activities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protecting learners\u00b4 privacy and personal data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">These recommendations aim to help teachers create immersive learning experiences that are not only engaging, but also physically and psychological safe. <\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"571\" data-id=\"5206\" src=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-1024x571.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-1024x571.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-1536x856.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_1-2048x1142.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-duotone-grayscale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"5201\" src=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_3-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f97d;<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-5-color\">Who should manage the equipment?<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussions also explored how schools can access and maintain VR hardware in the long term. Instead of requiring every school to purchase a complete set of devices, participants considered alternatives such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Central public funding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regional VR hardware hubs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment-lending libraries;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shared resources between schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A sustainable model would require secure storage, cleaning procedures, insurance, maintenance, software updates, technical support and a system for recording equipment use and repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Participants also highlighted the need for fair and cost-conscious implementation so that access to immersive learning does not depend on the financial resources of individual schools.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x2705;<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">The Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) as a practical guide<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The workshops also provided an opportunity to discuss the <strong>VR4Empathy Quality Assurance Framework (QAF)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants broadly recognised the <strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-6-color\">QAF as a relevant and comprehensive resource for supporting the ethical and pedagogically sound use of virtual reality in education<\/mark><\/strong>. Its guidance on pedagogical relevance, inclusion, safety, technical reliability, privacy and data protection was considered suitable for helping schools and educators evaluate VR and other EdTech resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Participants suggested that a short, practical checklist based on the existing framework could make it even easier to apply in everyday classroom settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1faf1;&#x1f3fc;&#x200d;&#x1faf2;&#x1f3fc;Building a community around immersive education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each event concluded with a synthesis of participants\u2019 recommendations and an invitation to join the <strong>XR4Education\/EdTech Network<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-theme-palette-5-color\">By connecting teachers, researchers, universities, public authorities, teacher-training organisations and EdTech representatives, the workshops supported the exchange of knowledge and the development of new collaborations.<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussions demonstrated that the future of educational VR depends not only on innovative technology, but also on <strong>strong pedagogy, inclusive design, effective teacher support and sustainable cooperation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Together, these elements can help transform virtual reality into a meaningful learning opportunity for every student. &#x1f30d;&#x2728;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Follow VR4Empathy on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/vr4empathy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61566864735364\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>&nbsp;for the latest updates!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How can virtual reality create meaningful, inclusive and safe learning experience? Two VR4Empathy workshops in Greece brought education stakeholders together to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5193,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities-events-el"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":42,"label":"Activities &amp; Events"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/6_5-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"admin_virtualr","author_link":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/author\/admin_virtualr\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":42,"name":"Activities &amp; Events","slug":"activities-events-el","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":42,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":25,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":42,"category_count":25,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Activities &amp; Events","category_nicename":"activities-events-el","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5293"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5412,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5293\/revisions\/5412"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/virtualreality4empathy.eu\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}