Research shows that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing how students learn. They offer easy-to-use features like motion capture and styli, 3D imagery via stereoscopics, and real-time feedback with haptic devices. These Immersive Learning Experiences make science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) more engaging for K-12 students.
Studies also show that these technologies help more students succeed in STEAM, like those with disabilities, English language learners, and girls. They support skills like communication and teamwork. Plus, they can boost the learning of both gifted students and those who need extra help.
Key Takeaways
- Emerging AR and VR technologies are changing K-12 education.
- They make learning STEM subjects more fun and effective through special features.
- These tools help diverse students do better in school.
- They also work well for social-emotional learning and improving life skills.
- They offer extra learning for both gifted kids and those who need more help.
Introduction to Emerging Technologies in Education
The education world is changing fast. New technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are making a big difference. They help students learn in exciting new ways. These tools let students touch, see, and understand lessons better.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Imagine seeing digital images on top of the real world. That’s what AR does. It blends the digital and physical worlds. This feature makes learning easier and more fun, especially for tricky subjects.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR creates a whole new world on a computer. It’s like stepping into a different reality. With VR, students can dive into their lessons, making learning feel like an adventure. This hands-on approach boosts learning.
Mixed Reality (MR)
MR mixes real and virtual worlds. It lets students use both physical and digital items together. This mix makes learning feel closer to real life. It helps students learn by doing and problem-solving.
Extended Reality (XR)
XR is all about creating new digital settings with AR, VR, and MR. It opens the door to endless learning possibilities. This technology takes learning far beyond the classroom, making it more engaging and memorable.
New tech like AR, VR, MR, and XR are changing education. They make learning more personal and fun. As these tools spread in education, they shape how we teach and learn. They boost student interest, improve how they learn, and teach skills for the future.
Enhancing STEM Learning with 3D and Haptic Technologies
Modern education aims to use technology for personalized learning. This allows students to see and interact with science in new ways. 3D and haptic technologies make learning real, like feeling and hearing. They make STEM learning exciting by letting students get hands-on with STEM content.
Studies show that virtual environments and realistic simulations boost student interest. For instance, students can explore the human circulatory system up close. This makes complex science topics easier to grasp.
These technologies also change how students work together and solve problems. AR makes teamwork and problem-solving skills better through shared projects. VR creates worlds that grab students’ attention, helping them explore and learn more deeply.
AR and VR create learning that fits each student’s needs. They give feedback and lessons that suit how a student learns best. This helps students enjoy STEM learning and do better in school.
In conclusion, 3D and haptic technologies are reshaping how students learn science. They make learning fun and real, contributing to a better way to teach and learn.
Accommodating Special Populations with AR/VR
Emerging technologies help special populations access STEM content. They meet unique learning needs. For instance, students with ADHD find zSpace helpful. This is a 3D system that lets them use their hands. It helps them learn like their classmates do. English language learners can understand science better with similar tech. Highly mobile learners get good lessons even without much help. Neurodiverse learners and economically disadvantaged learners find AR/VR useful too.
Students with Disabilities
The group of students with disabilities has grown a lot in the last ten years. The biggest increase is in those with neurodevelopmental disorders. New technology is a big help for them. It gives them more ways to learn.
English Language Learners (ELLs)
English language learners can learn science more easily with AR/VR. They improve at school and English at the same time.
Highly Mobile Learners
Highly mobile learners get good educations, even if they move a lot. Technology makes learning steady for them.
Neurodiverse Learners
Neurodiverse learners might have ADHD, ADD, or autism. AR/VR meets their unique learning needs very well.
Economically Disadvantaged Learners
Economically disadvantaged learners don’t always have tech. But AR/VR can make learning fun and easy for them. They just need financial help and guidance to use it right.
Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education: Case Studies
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing education by providing hands-on learning. This can be seen through various case studies. They allow students to interact with lessons like never before.
For example, Walmart is using VR to train its workers. The training is tailored for each job. Whether you’re in customer service or a manager, Walmart prepares you for all kinds of situations. This shows how VR can be useful, even for emergencies.
Schools all over the world are also using AR and VR. They offer virtual field trips. These trips can take students anywhere, from historic places to far-away lands.
Teachers use AR and VR to make hard topics easier to understand. They can show 3D models and simulations. This helps students get a real feeling for what they’re learning.
AR and VR help more than just learning the material. They teach technology skills and improve how we work together. The use of these technologies is growing fast. By 2026, the VR education market is expected to be worth over $13 billion. This means exciting changes for classrooms everywhere.
Virtual Field Trips: Immersive Global Explorations
Oak Run Middle School, Texas
Virtual field trips let students explore the world without leaving school. They wear special headsets and feel like they’re in different places. For kids at Oak Run Middle School in Texas, it’s a chance to see the world, even if they’ve never left their hometown.
Schools around the globe are using technology to create learning adventures. With virtual reality, students can go anywhere. This approach is great because it saves time and money without sacrificing the experience.
Companies like ClassVR are making these trips more real than ever. Students get to see new cultures and places. It’s a way for schools to open up the world to their learners like never before.
Visualizing Conceptual Subjects with 3D Models
Learning complex ideas from books and pictures is hard. But, teachers can make it easier with 3D models and virtual reality. These tools let students touch, see, and learn from abstract topics. By using these methods, teachers can help students really get complex ideas.
Animal Cell Exploration
With interactive 3D models, students can look at a cell closely and from every side. This approach lets them understand animal cell biology better than just looking at flat pictures alone. It’s a more hands-on and engaging way to learn.
Chemistry Concepts
Chemistry classes can get a boost from 3D models too. Imagine stepping into a virtual lab where you can see chemical reactions up close. This makes difficult topics more understandable by letting students interact with them.
Developing Computing and Technology Skills
Virtual reality is a great way for students to boost their computing and technology skills. They get to build cool virtual stuff. Then, they can see and experience it in a whole new way.
CoSpaces: Creating 3D Virtual Worlds
CoSpaces is like a dream come true for students. They get to make their own 3D virtual worlds. This is the best way to start learning about coding.
ThingLink: Augmenting Images and Videos
Also, ThingLink lets students add to images, videos, and 3D tours. They blend real-life with their learning, making it more fun and real.
Integration with Paint 3D, Tinkercad, and SketchUp
Virtual reality teams up with cool tools like Paint 3D, Tinkercad, and SketchUp. This combo makes learning computing skills super fun.
Immersive Group Learning Experiences
Virtual reality is an awesome tool for group learning and teamwork in school. It is great for things like working in pairs. Each student wears a headset and takes turns describing what they see. This boosts vocabulary and writing skills. Avantis World is also making a change. It is the first educational metaverse for students to enjoy together. Here, they can team up no matter where they are, using any device.
Collaborative Writing Activities
In virtual reality, students boost their skills by working together. One student explores a VR scene while the other writes about it. This activity encourages learning new words and how to describe things. A big plus is that students help and learn from each other. This builds teamwork and improves problem-solving.
Avantis World: Educational Metaverse
New tech is changing how we learn, making classrooms virtual and open for group work. Avantis World leads this change as the first educational metaverse. It lets students join forces in amazing shared worlds, with or without VR headsets. This cutting-edge platform makes learning fun and teaches skills like talking well, solving problems, and teamwork. These are super important skills for future jobs.
| Immersive Group Learning Experiences | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Collaborative Writing Activities | Enhances vocabulary, descriptive writing, communication, and teamwork skills |
| Avantis World: Educational Metaverse | Facilitates group learning, collaboration, and the development of 21st-century skills |
Blending AR/VR with Traditional Learning Methods
Virtual reality (VR) is an amazing way to learn, especially in smart classrooms. VR shouldn’t replace traditional teaching, though. It should supplement it, making lessons more engaging and memorable. This way, teachers can make their lessons more effective by mixing new technology with their usual teaching methods.
In Scotland’s Mearns Primary School, students combined traditional art with VR. They drew landscapes and then used 360-degree cameras. They made their work interactive using ThingLink. Finally, they explored their art in VR. This mix of traditional learning and AR/VR helps students learn in exciting new ways.
When teachers include VR and augmented reality in their lessons, they open up new worlds for students. This mix of technology with classic teaching is what will shape the future of education. It helps students and teachers dream bigger and achieve more in their studies and personal development.
Source Links
- https://cdn.zspace.com/collateral/case-studies/Augmented_and_Virtual_Reality_in_Education-An_Examination_of_the_Impact_on_Learning.pdf
- https://www.itransition.com/blog/vr-in-education
- https://virtualspeech.com/blog/augmented-virtual-reality-future-of-learning-experience
- https://fastercapital.com/content/Augmented-reality-and-virtual-reality-in-education-Enhancing-Learning-Experiences–How-AR-and-VR-Are-Transforming-Education.html
- https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1364888.pdf
- https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/22189
- https://itif.org/publications/2021/08/30/promise-immersive-learning-augmented-and-virtual-reality-potential/
- https://www.classvr.com/blog/5-best-virtual-reality-in-education-examples/
- https://www.talespin.com/reading/exploring-immersive-vr-education-a-new-way-to-learn
- https://www.brandxr.io/how-to-use-3d-ar-vr-in-education
- https://www.7generations.org/how-sgei-is-enhancing-education-through-virtual-and-augmented-reality/
- https://polygontechnology.io/ar-and-vr-in-education/
