As technology continues to improve and we push the limits of computer science, education must adapt. Immersive experiences have the ability to take students out of their seats and let them explore all of the wonders of our world. Through Virtual Reality, we can explore our world without having to leave the comfort of our home. There will no longer be a need for screens when we can use Augmented Reality to create an adjustable screen in our physical space. Mixed Reality will provide us with experiences that blend our virtual and augmented worlds together in ways that we could have only imagined before. Finally, Immersive and 360 Videos can provide students with incredible experiences where learning surpasses what could take place in a traditional classroom. The future of immersive experiences in education is bright, and we may one day be teaching and learning all within the “Metaverse”.
Opportunity Statement:
The immersive experiences market is currently valued at $21.7B USD and is poised to reach $134.2B USD by 2030 (Precedence Research, 2022). Immersive experiences are believed to be a game changer in the education field as the technology continues to mature and become more affordable for schools. A study conducted by Lu & Liu in 2015 indicated that primary students who studied marine environments using AR performed better than those who used traditional methods. Particularly, the students were more confident in their learning activities, they successfully learned the concepts, and low academic achievers showed improvement in their learning while using AR (Lu & Liu, 2015).
Resources (More available on our OER):
Immersive Experiences OER – Created by Katie Muzyka and Joseph Villella
Linus Tech Tips – The WAN Show Podcast – Metaverse Conference 2022 (1:03:15 – 1:17:05) – YouTube
Looking forward to the future of AR, VR, and MR – Forbes
10 Augmented Reality Experiences – Aircards
17 of the best of AR and VR games on iOS and Android – Science Focus
Best VR Videos Review – Software Testing Help
References:
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Immersive experience is not a novel concept in the domain of education, as far as my understanding goes. However, it is changing dramatically with technological advancement. Throughout my time as a K-12 student, my encounters with immersive experiences were notably low-tech, especially when juxtaposed with today’s available technology. Examples of such rudimentary immersive experience encompassed role-playing in a pre-industrial village scene during a social studies class to enhance our connection with life in that era, and field trips to aquariums to experience ocean biomes within the confines of land-locked prairies and under the vigilant supervision of adults in an oxygen-rich environment. The evolution of technology harbours the potential to enrich immersive experiences significantly.
For instance, Cadaviz enables scientists to conduct surgical examinations on a virtual cadaver within a simulated operating room, while SwimVR offers a virtual oceanic environment within a swimming pool, utilizing waterproof Virtual Reality headsets (Immersive Labz, 2024; VR Coaster GmbH & Co KG, 2020). Importantly, immersive learning theory dovetails with cognitive load theory, suggesting that simulated environments minimize distractions from external stimuli (Mind Tools Ltd., 2023). Furthermore, it bolsters whole-body learning models, where simulations evoke biophysical responses akin to those experienced in real-life scenarios (Martens et al., 2019). Finally, consumer products that offer the human-computer interface for such virtually immersive experiences are advancing and becoming more accessible. For example, 2023 saw the release of the Meta Quest 3, Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses, Microsoft HoloLens and other advanced VR/AR devices.
One projection anticipates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 41% for the Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Training Market. This implies exponential growth and an increase in market value from approximately $5-10B to $150-300B USD over the forthcoming decade (Future Market Insights, n.d.; Transparency Market Research, n.d.). Given the escalating demand for safe, economical, and accessible remote or hybrid learning experiences, I posit that immersive experiences hold substantial growth potential as an emerging market sector.
References
Future Market Insights. (n.d.). AR and VR in training market. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/ar-and-vr-in-training-market#:~:text=AR%20and%20VR%20technologies’%20immersive,41.8%25%20from%202023%20to%202033.
Immersive Labz. (2024, January 2). Immersive Labz. https://immersivelabz.com/
Martens, M. A., Antley, A., Freeman, D., Slater, M., Harrison, P. J., & Tunbridge, E. M. (2019). It feels real: Physiological responses to a stressful virtual reality environment and its impact on working memory. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 33(10), 1264–1273. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881119860156
Mind Tools Ltd. (2023). Home. MindTools. https://www.mindtools.com/aqxwcpa/cognitive-load-theory
Transparency Market Research. (n.d.) AR and VR in training market. https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ar-and-vr-in-training-market.html
VR Coaster GmbH & Co KG. (2020). SwimVR. https://swim-vr.com/
Immersive Experience appears to be a very engaging format that opens the door to a world of simulation-style learning environments. It allows for educational experiences that normally would seem impossible to conduct, such as taking a tour on Mars. The idea of having a class of students “plug in” through the use of VR and take a trip to the bottom of the ocean (or whatever scenario you prefer) is very exciting. I am curious to explore this topic more and see how it is currently being implemented in classrooms.
The introduction of virtual reality into the classroom simply opens so many doors. I am a huge believer in captivating student interest in helping to engage students into their learning experience. Also, by adapting the level of emersion, we can also help accommodate students with different learning needs. There’s so many new concepts we can open up to students by allowing a more immersive experience in the classroom.
I will never forget sitting inside the gymnasium of an elementary school and within a dome that displayed a digital landscape of the moon around a class of students. This experience really stayed with me for years even before AI, AR and VR became mainstream. I always felt that being immersed within an environment would be such a valuable way to learn about a topic. Imagine sitting with your peers in a room or a dome or even a tent that displayed a high resolution image and video of ancient civilizations. The ability for students to connect with these experiences is far greater than watching a video on any smart board or laptop. THe blend of virtual and physical worlds will only enhance the education system moving forward. I feel that it is only a matter of time before the technology becomes more engaging and students are able to really dive into different scenarios in order to enhance their understanding of a topic.
Visualization is an important part of learning. Learners connect better when they can see something or experience the very thing they are learning. This technology can be applied in so many industries within which the professionals themselves can use Immersive experiences to upskill and or train potential employees.
In my career, simulation is a big part in training air traffic controllers. Immersive experiences listed above can help students practice skills to deliver efficient and safe service. For an industry where safety is paramount, giving students a variety of ways to practice in non consequential situations is needed in order to prepare them when they train in real operational environments.