Traditional teaching methods are undergoing a transformation in schools and colleges. The way teachers educate and students learn will be drastically transformed with the integration of emerging tech like virtual reality and augmented reality. Over the years, there have been many changes in the education sector. But the pattern hasn’t changed much in a while. PowerPoint is still the go-to resource in the education sector.
Though there are differences between AR and VR in terms of use and application, their impact on education has a huge potential. Students can learn interactively like never before with the aid of AR and VR. In addition, there is no age bar to access education through these technologies. Although it might not be present in every school or college right now, the adaptation and applications of AR and VR in education are on the rise. Reports and surveys suggest that the augmented reality and virtual reality education segment will grow from USD 9.3 billion in 2018 to USD 19.6 billion by 2023.
So, let’s break down augmented reality and virtual reality with their impacts on the education industry.
What is Augmented Reality?
Which technology is superior: AR or VR? This is one of the most important questions the millennial generation may come across. Which is more capable of influencing their future? One can answer such a question by saying that each has its own advantages. Utilizing your surroundings, augmented reality projects animations, or other types of information on top of them. In a technical sense, it strengthens reality. One of its main advantages is that augmented reality applications don’t require a specific display device.
Impact of AR on Education
It will be more effective to envision the topic than to read it from a chapter. Visualization helps students develop a deeper comprehension of the subject. This leads to lasting interactive impacts on students that keep learners interested and excited to explore more about the subject.
No need for huge hardware investments is one of the most significant benefits for people trying to integrate Augmented Reality into education. People can access and experience the wonders of AR right through their smartphones. For instance, augmented reality application development allows you to see a 2D image transforming into a 3D animation simply by placing your smartphone right in front of the textbook.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality takes place in an entirely artificial setting. So, to create a VR application, we must first create an environment around which animation can come through. Contrary to its name, Virtual Reality seems far more authentic than Augmented Reality, but the only drawback is that every VR application requires a dedicated VR headset to function.
Impact of VR on Education
The educational landscape can be completely altered by virtual reality. Starting in the first grade and continuing through college, VR will be used in the classroom. Students can view the immersive content of any subject using VR goggles. Additionally, a 360-degree view of any content gives students a more realistic sense of themselves as participants in the virtual environment.
Moreover, interacting with VR content helps them deeply explore the subject. The real world can’t divert highly engaged students into the virtual world. Thus, this immersion may also enhance the focusing capacity of an individual.
Virtual reality delivers an entire sensory experience through which students can virtually touch, see, and hear the content simultaneously with the help of sensors.
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How are AR And VR Transforming The Education Sector?
The future educational system could be entirely based on augmented and virtual reality. With digital content, smart classrooms, and online examinations, technology is already having a huge impact on the education sector. Students and teachers will be able to explore and learn more successfully if new technologies like AR and VR are implemented.
Particularly in basic education, AR and VR may have a significant influence since it makes learning essential skills more enjoyable and engaging. Students can learn more quickly and have a better learning experience. In higher education, complicated subjects are frequently categorized. Employing immersive technology in this context can make complex topics more engaging. Additionally, it can support career training.
The power to experience training in the virtual setting and undergo simulations because of real technical capabilities without leaving the classroom transforms the learning space.
Applications of VR and AR in education
There are many instructional uses for augmented and virtual reality. Compared to conventional teaching methods, using contemporary technology in education has several benefits. They also provide original and creative ways of imparting education. Some of such applications are given below:
1- Virtual reality for real-world learning
The early applications of augmented reality and virtual reality in education were as visual aids for practical learning. The majority of the time, students remember much more about what they have actually done or seen than about anything they read, watch, or hear. Virtual reality can be applied in every level of education, from kindergarten to graduate school. It is essential to design virtual reality content in a manner that engages the target audience.
2- Online classrooms
Classrooms and online learning environments are inadequate for learning. One of the biggest worries is the high dropout rate. Hesitation in participating in learning is the main factor. On the other hand, virtual reality classes enable students to be contemplative, participative and involved. Learning is made more socially engaging by VR education by enabling student communication.
3- Virtual field trips
Virtual reality field trips allow students to visit places they’ve not seen that school management cannot afford due to the high costs. For instance, after studying spatial inequality in class, students can experience a virtual tour of Tokyo to understand how people live there.
4- Internships
A crucial component of learning is acquainting oneself with various professions. Internships are commonly utilized as a career decision-making tool. Using virtual reality, students can visualize themselves in a variety of careers and jobs. By exploring a typical workday and learning what others think about their employment, career excursions give students a firsthand understanding of what it feels like to work in a particular profession.
Use Cases of AR and VR for the Education Industry
Immersive technology has the power to change the way that education is provided. AR and VR improve how we teach and learn by illuminating the how and why of knowledge. Here are a few applications for AR and VR technology.
1- Virtual field trips:
Students can use immersive apps to witness a historical event and experience what it might have been like in the past. Learners can now experience museum trips with VR headsets without moving out of their classroom or study room at home. This helps students gain a deeper knowledge of the subjects by giving them the chance to experience historical events
2- Student Recruitment:
Students can explore any campus of a school or institution using virtual tours. The cost of these virtual tours is nothing. VR improves students’ concentration along with their decision-making abilities.
3- Medical education and training:
Chemistry, biology, physics, and other subjects can be interactively taught with the help of immersive technologies. Applications can depict abstract concepts in virtual reality and display complex processes like the human brain. Students are better prepared when they attain both theoretical and practical components of lessons. Students’ interest in creative solutions can be increased via immersive environments. Additionally, it makes it possible for paramedics and future doctors to learn through safe and effective medical simulations, which lowers risk and boosts confidence.
Conclusion
The education industry is experiencing a paradigm shift with the new methods of learning and teaching introduced by augmented reality and virtual reality. As new displays and applications are developed to deliver an immersive experience on a big scale and at a lower cost, AR and VR will become more widely available for educational purposes. It may even become the most significant innovation in the field of education.