AR and VR in Education
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology, which are collectively referred to as extended reality (XR), are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the field of education. A recent study conducted by Statista found that seven out of ten teachers express a desire for more VR and AR integration in education, particularly when it aligns with the curriculum and enhances student engagement. This type of technology opens doors for experiential learning opportunities.
– Assists students in forming stronger connections with their educational experience.
– Provides students with practical, real-world encounters of unfamiliar concepts or objects.
– Transcends mere memorization and dives into interactive learning.
– Tailors experiences to suit the interests, abilities, and learning preferences of students.
To get a taste of XR learning, you can try out VR and AR apps such as Mapper’s Delight, Visceral Science, Gravity Simulator, and others. Typically, all you need is a VR headset to fully enjoy the experience, but you can take it to the next level by using haptic gloves and other additional equipment.
Utilizing VR and AR technology to enhance learning, one can attain a more profound comprehension of intricate subjects. XR enables a captivating and fresh approach towards experiential learning, which has been proven to be effective.
A thorough examination of experiential learning results from 89 different studies revealed highly favorable and strong outcomes for students. Experiential learning appears to be significantly more effective, with nearly a 50% improvement compared to traditional learning methods. By engaging in experiential learning, students enhance their cognitive and social abilities, leading to better retention of information, enhanced problem-solving skills, and a deeper comprehension of social matters.
XR can be a powerful tool for experiential learning, as it helps students discover a fresh perspective on the world and feel a sense of awe and enjoyment. In this article, we will delve into eight ways in which this technology can enhance learning outside of traditional classroom settings.
Expanding interactive experiences
A variety of interactive experiences exist in the realm of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
– Virtual field trips for K-12;
– Immersive learning for skill building;
– Producing accurate 3-D models in the correct proportions for architects and engineers.
– Inclusive access for students with disabilities;
– Healthcare professionals are exposed to high-risk training situations.
– Training for science students on laboratory research methods
– Training in the field for specialists in construction and advanced manufacturing.
XR technology in education allows students to engage in immersive experiences across a wide range of subjects, including the arts, humanities, technology, vocational programs, and science. Rather than passively listening to an orchestra, students can actively participate by playing the first chair or even practice providing aid in a high-risk scenario.
Instead of physically dissecting a frog or a pig’s heart a limited number of times in a laboratory setting, students have the opportunity to perform the dissections numerous times in a virtual environment, which enhances the availability of science education. Rather than engaging in risky experiments involving hazardous materials face-to-face, researchers can safely replicate these experiments using XR technology.
These wide-ranging and varied educational opportunities enable students to engage in a multitude of activities, such as travelling the globe, acquiring useful abilities, and getting ready for the contemporary workplace, heavily influenced by technology.
Overcoming experience barriers
Have you ever witnessed the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Northern Lights? Or observed an awe-inspiring lion pride hunting in the African sun? Maybe you desire to immerse yourself in history up close. With the advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in education, you can now transport yourself to the heart of global experiences beyond the confines of traditional classrooms. Activities that seemed impractical before can now be incorporated into your everyday learning.
Through the use of AR and VR, individuals who lack access to specific resources can develop practical skills via firsthand learning. By engaging in these immersive experiences, individuals not only enhance their intellectual aptitude, but also develop their emotional intelligence. This technology fosters the cultivation of more profound critical and abstract thinking abilities.
Overcoming financial barriers
Numerous education systems currently face financial constraints, making it challenging to provide students with opportunities to enrich their learning. However, the integration of augmented and virtual reality in education enables these experiences to be brought directly into the classroom, thereby eliminating financial obstacles for schools and students.
Statistics regarding VR and AR in education reveal that while most classrooms are equipped with the necessary equipment, the widespread utilization of these technologies has not yet been achieved. According to a report by Statista that assesses the demand for VR services across various industries, nearly 80% of teachers have access to VR devices; however, the percentage of teachers actually utilizing them is less than 7%. With the presence of these technological tools already established, one can commence developing immersive experiences right from the start.
Overcoming language barriers
Differences in language can lead to unequal opportunities in education, but the use of AR/VR technology in schools overcomes these obstacles. AR/VR technology provides language translation options for students who struggle with understanding the material. It enables them to be in the same physical classroom with their actual teacher, using AR/VR to translate the lesson and actively participate in class discussions.
AR/VR in education provides students learning a foreign language with the opportunity to engage in immersive experiences for practicing and exploring. They can simulate scenarios like ordering dinner in a French restaurant, participating in an English job interview, or visiting a Spanish museum. Through virtual and augmented reality, there are authentic settings available to practice and improve proficiency in new languages.
Increasing enjoyment of activities
Studies indicate that when lessons are structured around subjects that students find intriguing, it enhances their level of involvement in the learning process. By incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology into education, students are able to fully immerse themselves in an environment where they can delve into their interests outside of traditional textbooks. Additionally, with the added convenience of AR in the cloud, students have the opportunity to continue their learning while on the move, utilizing cloud-based applications or augmented reality in the classroom materials to engage with the world in real-time as they discover new locations or encounter unfamiliar concepts.
Everyday tasks, such as memorizing multiplication tables or studying civics, can become more interesting and immersive with the use of virtual reality. Instead of writing down answers, you can simply reach out and grab them from the air. Instead of studying the government, you have the opportunity to actually sit in Congress and participate in voting on legislation.
Offering spatial references
Quarks, the tiniest particles known to us, are smaller than atoms, protons, neutrons, and electrons. In educational settings, we rely on diagrams, videos, and photos to visualize the minuscule scale of the subatomic realm. However, these representations fall short in truly grasping the magnitude of its smallness. This is where Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) come into play, enhancing the learning experience by providing an enlarged perception.
AR/VR in education technology enables students to experience different virtual environments. At a tiny scale, the Belle2VR, created by scientists at Virginia Tech, permits students to engage with a virtual reality representation of particle physics. Through this technology, students can observe subatomic particle collisions that would be impossible to witness with their own eyes. They have the ability to zoom in and out, as well as adjust transparency, to closely observe a particle moving towards another in a race-like scenario.
Alternatively, using the Virtual Reality Universe Project, students have the opportunity to expand their perspective and delve into a virtual realm that is created using the latest astrophysical and cosmological information. Envision being able to soar through galaxies, space stations, planets, vibrant gases, stars, and even black holes, all in real time.
Individuals who are studying a specific category of creature have the ability to evaluate an accurate representation of the species in terms of size. As for veterinary students, they can observe the genuine disparity in size between different organs. Additionally, builders have the opportunity to witness how measurements will physically integrate in their true proportion. Through the use of this advancing educational technology, students acquire spatial references that aid in their comprehension of intricate ideas.
Providing additional facilities for individuals with disabilities
The use of augmented and virtual reality in education is extremely helpful in bringing students together by fostering inclusivity. Regardless of their abilities, all students have the opportunity to engage in immersive learning experiences due to the increasing presence of VR and AR in education. Previously, certain activities were limited to specific learning styles, but now they are accessible to all types of learners. The technological advancements in accessibility accommodations are continuously expanding.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have a significant impact on students who have learning disabilities, providing them with a sense of empowerment. These technologies have the ability to eliminate obstacles in the learning process by enabling students with different abilities to learn through practical experience. This technology assists students in maintaining concentration, overcoming difficult tasks, finding solutions to problems, and practicing in a setting with minimal stress and pressure. Initial studies indicate that individuals with various health impairments may benefit greatly from therapeutic and recreational use of VR.
Providing chances for practical experiences
AR and VR technology has practical applications in education, particularly in providing interactive experiences. Students are able to physically engage in activities, allowing for a deeper understanding that goes beyond just intellectual knowledge. With the assistance of AR and VR technology, individuals preparing for work can acquire practical skills and gain experience whenever they choose. Moreover, students who are unsure about their future career can explore various professions virtually, enabling them to gain insights and knowledge about different jobs.
The possibilities for individuals to explore and learn about themselves using AR and VR in education are limitless. There are no limitations in terms of age, subject, industry, skill, or trade for these technologies. With the advancement of VR and AR technology in education, learning can be a more impactful and transformative experience for students of all abilities.