Virtual reality and augmented reality are like conjoined twins in today’s modern technology. Talking about one of them will always bring up a discussion about the other. But, out of these two, which is really the most suitable for education?
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in the Classroom
There are many studies that have revealed the strengths of augmented and virtual reality when used in the classroom. Among their biggest benefits is the fact that they can change the teacher’s role from being a deliverer of knowledge to a facilitator. Due to their experiential and visual nature, AR and VR can also foster active learning and at the same time, help students grasp and understand abstract knowledge.
Virtual and augmented reality has an immersive nature that helps block out any distraction. This can result in better concentration and more focus. For people with learning challenges and visual learners, AR and VR offer an alternative medium that will meet all of their needs.
Another advantage of this technology is the chance for learners to feel the lesson better. It includes difficult emotions like anxiety, confusion, conflict, and stress. This way, they can become more prepared for the experiences present in the real world. Medical students, for instance, can experience life’s psychological challenges at hospitals. Firemen, policemen, and air traffic controllers can also take part in realistic training experiences online that will put them in the middle of disasters.
AR and VR in the Real World
You can easily see how AR and VT experiences can translate when used in the classroom. Theoretically speaking, AR provides the best learning experience because it is a relatively low cost. It also has the capacity to work with any existing technology. Unlike VR, AIR doesn’t obscure the field of vision of the user as it just overlays the digital content above the surrounding environment. Thanks to this, AR provides a better freedom to move compared to VR. This allows the user to immerse themselves in the world totally isolated from a surrounding environment.
This means that VR wins when it comes to immersion and the adaptability to different learning styles that will result in better engagement among students. It can transform the classroom activities that are usually dull, like reading aloud from geography books, into something where students can actively discover and explore famous landmarks and attractions in 3D. You cannot overstate the benefit of equity in this case. Students can travel like never before with no need for funds and passports.
There are some abstract subjects like math that can still be improved with the help of VR and the visualization it provides. VR, in the long run, will help you save money on the usual classroom expenses like laboratory equipment and field trips. For example, medical students can work on virtual cadavers providing less expensive, more efficient, and identical learning experiences for every student. Electrical engineering students will also be able to forgo electrocution risks as they learn basic properties and methods.
Although AR is already way ahead, technology continues to move so fast that it is anyone’s guess what will ultimately snag a spot as a tool for education.