Instructional designers need to be able to understand and apply virtual reality to enrich learners' experiences. This paper examines the nature of virtual reality, how it applies to education, and rationales for using virtual reality in the classroom. The following instructional design guidelines for helping instructional designers to create a new learning environment are outlined: (1) provide divergent learning outcomes; (2) focus on learner-centered control; (3) provide a high level of user interaction; (4) follow the principles of instructional design; and (5) consider constructivist learning principles. (Contains 15 references.) (AEF)