There is so much discussion of how Augmented and Virtual Reality are transforming education, but it’s not always clear how that is happening. Like with many tech tools, there can be a learning curve and an initial investment, making it seem out of reach for many.
Virtual Reality is simply an immersive type of technology that can convince the brain that it is somewhere it isn’t. It is excellent for being transported to a place where you are not, including going back in time to historical moments or places, or to allow travel to distant realms, such as space or the depths of the ocean. The technology consists of realistic 3-dimensional images that are often rendered in real time, offering visual perspectives that respond to changes in movement and interactions that mimic those experienced in the real world. To fully experience VR, a headset is key, and options range from inexpensive cardboard versions that connect with a smartphone, to top-of-the-line gaming headsets. However, even without a headset, some of the technology, such as the Discovery VR outlined below, can be experienced through a mobile device, where simply moving the device changes the vantage point of the image on the screen, allowing for 360-degree viewing.
Augmented Reality is a computer-aided interactive experience where objects that exist in the real world are augmented by computer-generated images that enhance a user’s perception of the reality. The game ‘Pokémon Go’is a popular example of AR, where the real world is augmented with imaginary characters.
For better or worse, VR and AR have often been developed to the highest levels in the context of the video game industry, which has made it a bit tricky to convince educators of its value in the classroom. However, it does appear that this trend is changing and there are many cutting- edge companies engaging with educational applications and thinking about how to harness its full power.
Although there are many excellent VR/AR apps that are connected to teaching through subject-specific games, for this month’s App Reviews we have focused on apps that use VR more widely or which have innovative tools/approaches to teaching through this medium. It is clear that there is definitely value to this technology that has the potential to transform learning on many levels.