4 Ways You Can Implement VR & AR into the Classroom

Virtual and Augmented Reality bring valuable lessons to life in an interactive and educational way. Virtual Reality (VR) allows users to experience full immersion in a computer-generated world and it is a great tool to use for training purposes.

Augmented Reality (AR) uses computer interfaces to enhance the user’s experience in the real world by blending in simulated features (If you are familiar with the popular game Pokémon Go, you have experienced the gamified version of AR). By incorporating AR and VR into the classroom, students can gain skills that will be useful in the workplace.

We have come up with four ways in which AR and VR can enhance the learning experience.

Providing a Hands-On Learning  Environment

Virtual Reality allows students to become immersed in their field of study while gaining risk-free hands-on experience. 

VR enables students to make mistakes without any repercussions in the real world. Augmented Reality uses simulations and digital modeling to enable students to learn and acquire experience for the future. By implementing VR and AR into the classroom, students can gain useful decision-making skills that will allow them to be successful in the workforce. Students at Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing are using VR for experiential learning in emergencies, learn more here.

Virtual Fields Trips

Allow students to experience faraway places while staying in the classroom with educational virtual trips. With the use of VR, students can “travel” to hard-to-reach destinations such as outer space and feel like they are there. The capabilities of this technology allow students to make connections between their virtual travel experiences and the curriculum, which further solidifies their knowledge.

Improved Collaboration

VR and AR can increase productivity and collaboration in educational settings. A study conducted by individuals at universities in Singapore and Taiwan found virtual and augmented reality simulations increase motivation, improve collaboration, and result in knowledge construction. VR and AR also have the potential to enhance learning and collaboration between teachers and students in remote learning.

Interactive Learning

VR and AR increase engagement through offering interactive learning that is like playing a video game. Incorporating games into learning creates an enjoyable and captivating experience for students of all ages. VR and AR bring an element of fun into the classroom while offering valuable lessons and the development of soft and hard skills. Jane Wilde, an instructor at Marlboro College uses game-based learning to motivate her students. See how Jane incorporates VR in the curriculum here.