Virtual and augmented reality are more than sources of entertainment. These technologies show great potential in other spheres. Surprisingly, developers found many applications for them in education. But will their wide use make the learning process easier? There are several signs pointing “yes,” and here’s why.
A More Immersive Learning Process
Educators use these technologies to improve the quality of education. Students don’t lag behind and actively use VR and AR apps. They offer assignment helpers in biology, chemistry, history, anatomy, and other disciplines. They may walk around ancient Rome and watch the aurora borealis in their classrooms. There are plenty of apps to choose from, including:
Titans of Space;
Anatomyou VR;
KingTut VR;
Unimersiv.
But the technology goes beyond showing masks of an Egyptian pharaoh or human anatomy. Virginia Tech researchers developed Belle 2VR to improve the education of physics students. They allow collegegoers to look at subatomic particles. Normally, they are invisible to the naked eye.
Enhanced Language Learning
In the past, people could learn new languages through text and audiobooks. Virtual and augmented reality make the process more fun for everybody involved. VR apps bring students into scenarios they’ve once read about in textbooks, including
Ordering food at a Spanish cafe;
Using civic services, like taxis and busses;
Being at birthdays and other celebrations.
Students may do it with the help of Mondly VR. Currently, it’s one of the most popular language-learning apps. Its immersive experience allows everyone to learn one of the 28 languages.
Lower Communication Barriers
Both VR and AR devices erase language disparities. They make learning more accessible both in online and offline conditions. Potentially, foreigners may attend online classes in a US college using their VR set. The technology translates lecture materials on the go, negating any misunderstandings.
These technologies are also used within the classroom. For example, one may use a VR assistant to translate the teacher’s speech into their native language. This way, they’ll be more likely to comprehend study materials and succeed academically.
Increased Engagement
These technologies make education more engaging for students and teachers. They allow tailoring lessons around topics that collegegoers are most interested in. Students often look for assignment services to help them with boring tasks. AR tasks can ignite their passion for learning. There are many AR apps that allow learning through mobile cameras.
Such applications allow them to learn when coming across interesting things and places. For example, the Plantale app is a must-have for botanical students. It gives them a close look at the various stages of a plant’s development process. Other great apps include the SkyView Lite to look at the night sky and the AR Atom Visualizer to learn physics.
More Affordable Education
Some of the schools don’t have enough funds for all educational activities. Virtual and augmented reality bridges this gap for institutions and collegegoers. For example, instead of driving up to Gettysburg, they will take a virtual tour of its grounds. It will eradicate any barriers before the smaller colleges and universities.
There are also plenty of VR tours colleges may offer for their attendants. Students may travel to such cities as London, Paris, Tokyo, and Bangkok. All without leaving the classroom. The technology also gives access to some of the best museums in the world. These include The British Museum, Rijksmuseum, Uffizi Gallery, and Musée d’Orsay.
Erasing Ability Barriers
Both AR and VR remove physical and mental barriers to education. Thus the process is made more approachable and inclusive. Those who can’t attend classes may do so in a virtual environment. This makes the education process accessible even for people with severe conditions.
Educators use augmented and virtual reality to adjust to the capabilities of collegegoers. These technologies are especially beneficial for students with confirmed learning disabilities. They help individuals learn through experience rather than by memorizing hard facts.
Final Thoughts
Traditional methods of education won’t go away any time soon. Universities still need lectures, classes, and textbooks. But the rise of VR and AR will make this process easier for students and educators alike. Their virtual environment is perfect for various disciplines. So, why not make the most of these technologies?
