1
Your First Steps in VR
Your First Steps in VR
Content
Are you just about to enter Virtual Reality? Here are some expert tips to help you with your first steps in the world of VR!
We will provide some links to Meta’s Quest 2 or Quest 3 help articles as most of the project partners have these devices. However, if you use VR headsets made by another company, most of our health and safety or comfort tips will be valid for any other VR headset.
Please check specific help articles provided by your VR headset company.
Fitting the Headset
- Adjust the straps: Make sure the top and side straps hold the headset snugly but comfortably.
- Position it properly: The display should sit evenly on your face and line up with your eyes.
- Reduce blurriness: Adjust the headset’s IPD (interpupillary distance) by gently moving the lenses closer or further apart until your vision is clear. The Quest 3 has a physical wheel on the bottom of the headset, which can adjust the distance between lenses.
- You can measure eye pupil distance by using an app PDcheck AR (for Apple iOS)
- Glasses: Most glasses fit inside, but use the included spacer if needed for comfort and protection.
- Remain seated for first time VR.
- Get familiar with your controlers and use the controllers’ lanyards
- Make sure straps are tightened to your head. For some people, the original straps that come with Meta Quest 2 or 3/3s are not comfortable. You can acquire additional headstraps, and extra batteries for your headset from few third-party companies, specialised in producing accessories for VR: BoboVR - recommended by many VR users, fast delivery and decent quality; Kiwi Design - another good store for VR accessories)
Video tutorial focusing on Meta Quest 2 setup
Video tutorial focusing on Meta Ques 3 setup:
Health and Safety
Take breaks regularly: A good rule is 15 minutes break for every 30 minutes of use.
Be aware of your surroundings: Always use VR in a safe, clear space to avoid bumping into furniture or people.
Always check PEGI reating of games/ VR experiences
Make sure your VR boundary is clear of hazards
Keep updated policy and procedure for VR use
Sanitise between users if the headset is being used by more than 1 person.
Motion sickness is real: If you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop using the headset and take a break. Do not start with apps containing a lot of rapid movements.
Stay hydrated and avoid VR when tired: Fatigue and dehydration can increase discomfort.
Check for some more information at Meta’s Safety Centre:
https://www.meta.com/pl/en/quest/safety-center/quest-3/
It’s time to enter the VR space.
Meta created some introductory apps, helping you easily learn the basics of using the headset, controllers, virtual boundary and other basic functions in VR:
Notre-Dame de Paris: Journey Back In Time - an easy entry into a VR copy of the cathedral, just gaze arround
First Encounters (for Quest 3 or Quest 3s headsets) - shows the potential of mixed reality, combining VR and your real surroundings. Get ready for the fluffy alien invasion!
***
The Cities of Learning partners created this step-by-step guide during the Erasmus+ co-funded cooperation partnership “Virtual Reality in Cities of Learning”. Connect with involved partners for collaboration:
Madiba Società Cooperativa Sociale, Italy - the lead partner
Awero, Lithuania
CODEC, Belgium
SIRA Impact Hub, Cyprus
Breakthrough Foundation, the Netherlands
Think Forward, United Kingdom
Get activity badge
VR Smart Starter Get this badge
This badge certifies that the recipient has successfully completed an introductory module on the safe, effective, and responsible use of Meta Quest 2, 3, or 3s virtual reality headsets. The learner has demonstrated awareness of:- Health and safety considerations in VR environments- Proper headset fitting for visual clarity and comfort- Experience of a few VR appsThe badge signifies readiness to engage with VR technology in a mindful and digitally competent manner.
The Cities of Learning partners issued this badge as part of the Erasmus+ co-funded “Virtual Reality in Cities of Learning” cooperation partnership.
Tasks
Task no.1
Evidence verified by: one activity organiser
Submit a brief reflection (written or audio recording) on your initial VR experience, addressing these topics:
- How did you ensure safe environment;
- What did you to ensure your comfort during the VR session;
- Any challenges you faced and how they were addressed
Skills
ESCO
#engage with virtual learning environments
ETS-TR
#Where relevant, integrating ict, e-learning and other tools and methods into the educational activity
ESCO
#able to use digital device operating systems
ETS-TR
#Addresses the specific risks related to participants’ data safety when in digital environments
Organisers
Network of Cities and Regions of Learning
Badge issuer recognized with
Awero not-for-profit organisation manages this platform and develops it together with leading educational organisations. The European Union's programme Erasmus+ granted co-funding for building the first version of this platform. Contact support@awero.org.
Platform
Change to another language: