Context

Recent advancements in science and technology, particularly augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), are revolutionizing education by offering immersive learning experiences. These innovations, fostering problem-solving skills, are garnering attention for their transformative potential in both traditional and continuing education settings.

What is AR, VR?

• Augmented reality (AR):In AR, the digital content is overlayed onto the real-world scenarios, and this provides an immersive experience of virtual objects in the real world.
  • For example, a teacher can use an AR app to demonstrate a volcanic eruption while teaching geography or geology or even to teach how volcanic eruptions can impact air routes. Such AR technologies promote active learning.
• Virtual reality (VR):VR technology, on the other hand, offers a completely virtual environment.
  • For example, virtual field trips, foreign language acquisition or virtual laboratories. These technologies when adopted in educational domain offers an enhanced hands-on experience which were never witnessed within the traditional classroom.

Benefits of the technology

• It enhances problem-solving skills in students. It also facilitates opportunities to think critically, collaborate with peers, and to develop innovative solutions.
• Fostering immersive learning experiences: Traditional learning methods often struggle to capture the attention of today’s digital-native students. AR and VR technologies offer a solution by providing immersive learning experiences that cater to their learning styles.
• Promoting collaborative learning: Collaboration is a vital skill in the modern workforce, and AR and VR technologies facilitate collaborative learning experiences within the classroom.

Challenges and considerations

• Limited access to technology
• Concerns about cost
• The need for teacher training
• Issues related to data privacy, digital citizenship, and screen time management