Technology Is Changing Education
Technology is changing education in many different ways. Although technology comes with challenges, it can enhance the learning environment if implemented correctly. Two newer technological advancements introduced to education are Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). As more schools are implementing AR and VR into their classrooms, people are starting to realize that these new technologies have the potential to improve education.
, The Promise of Immersive Learning: Augmented and Virtual Reality’s Potential in Education, just under 50 percent of higher education institutions had either partially or fully engaged in VR deployment in 2018. The report also points out that schools are turning to AR/VR solutions for blended and distance learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a pivot to online and hybrid learning, which highlighted the value of teaching tools not being tethered to a physical location. In addition, the IDC predicts that worldwide spending on augmented reality and virtual reality is forecast to accelerate out of the pandemic, growing from just over $12.0 billion in 2020 to $72.8 billion in 2024. Keeping Students Engaged
With AR and VR technology, students can now actively engage in the learning material. Instead of looking at pictures in a textbook, students learn by doing. Virtual reality and augmented reality allow students to have experiences that weren’t possible before. For example, zSpace allows students to examine the human heart and layers of the earth’s atmosphere. It makes learning come alive and engages students in new, exciting ways.
These immerse experiences help keep students engaged in the classroom. Because they are visual, hands-on, and interactive, AR and VR are also helpful for visual learners. Students are often excited to use virtual reality, and teachers agree that virtual reality can help improve learning outcomes, from better understanding of learning concepts to greater collaboration and motivation in the classroom.
Supplementing Course Content
VR and AR can be used to supplement course curriculum and help students better understand course concepts by simulating experiences that are relevant to course content. This can be especially helpful when concepts are hard to grasp or difficult to picture. Students can travel across the world, conduct experiments, explore locations that would be otherwise inaccessible, and have experiences that wouldn’t be possible in real life.
AR and VR also help make education more personalized for each student. This new technology has the ability to assess individual skills and analyze data on each student’s progress, which means the teacher can offer tailored instructions for improvement. This also allows educators to focus on problem areas where students need the most help.
Implementing It into the Classroom
AR and VR aren’t meant to replace books or teachers. Instead, this new technology should be used as a helpful tool to enhance learning for students. Schools and teachers will have to decide which classes this technology is appropriate for, as well as determine the appropriate time and place for using it. Finding the right balance with new technology is key!
zSpace: A Leader in AR/VR
zSpace is the leading evidence-based augmented/virtual reality platform providing innovative hands-on, experiential learning to improve achievement in science, math, and career and technical education credentialing. They recently launched their new Inspire editions, which allow students to view 3D content without the use of specialized glasses. Contact our zSpace experts today to learn more or to see if zSpace could benefit your school!
Date Posted: 12/19/18
Date Last Updated: 3/7/22
By: RTI Marketing Team
Riverside Technologies, Inc. (RTI) specializes in managed services, IT hardware, warehouse services, and technology deployment.
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