Didactic potential of educational VR films (on the example of the film “Electric power industry of Russia”)

The introduction of modern video technologies into pedagogical practice is one of the ways to increase students’ motivation to learn about the world. The article describes in detail the advantages, methodological purpose, and didactic potential of educational VR films on the example of the film in 360° format “Electric power industry of Russia”, created by a team of employees of The Academy of Public Policy Implementation and Professional Development of Educators of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation (The Academy of Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation) for free use in Russian educational organizations.The methodology of the study of educational VR films didactic potential presented in the article is based on the activity approach to learning, the principles of systematicity, and interdisciplinarity. The activity approach in the use of VR film is provided by the maximum effect of presence, which is experienced by the viewer, and independence in the choice of the subject of attention. The work of an active and proactive student is complemented by the activity of a teacher who can guide the student and choose objects from an educational VR film to set learning objectives, and formulate questions and tasks. The principles of systematicity and interdisciplinarity are provided by educational content created on the basis of the integration of knowledge from different subject areas, which allows teachers to use the didactic potential of the VR film in different disciplines and age groups.The proposed methodological solutions for the use of VR film are of practical value for the educational process in a modern school: they contribute to the formation of a holistic view of students about the achievements of Russian science and modern professions (in particular, in the electric power industry), the education of patriotism and pride in the Fatherland, the development of skills of independence and self-control in learning activities.The authors see the development of the project as one of the strategic directions in the field of digital transformation of education, aimed at improving the quality of education of modern schoolchildren.