Description
Recent hardware and software advancements suggest that AR and VR technologies are now reliable enough to enhance learning across various educational programs (Elmqaddem, 2019). These technologies can offer an immersive environment for students to explore and learn. This blog presents three examples and outlines their required components.
The Chosen Areas
The three chosen areas will be social study learning in elementary school, language learning, and science learning.
- Social Study Learning: when we are learning the chapter “communities”, students can use AR technology to explore the community and “see” different roles of characters.
- Language Learning: we bring students for a virtual field trip in a foreign country. Students can explore local culture and learn the diversity.
- Science Learning: students can learn about the plants growing.
Components of VR/AR
According to Stavroulia and Lanitis (2019), when designing the scenarios, analysis and investigation are vital to implementing AR/VR. When integrating AR/VR into elementary school classrooms, there are several elements to be considered.
- Hardware/software. The school should ensure the AR/VR sets are prepared. Headsets, computers, tablets, or materials that include educational resources should be ready for teachers and students to use.
- Content should be age-appropriated. There are various educational resources for virtual field trips. However, teachers need to design or choose age-appropriate materials for their students.
- Evaluation. The school should evaluate the process and improve the program as needed.
Figure 1
Image For the AR Application.
Note. This image shows the AR application in class. Resource is from https://www.blippar.com/blog/2020/04/07/bringing-the-augmented-reality-education-to-your-home-for-free
Conclusion
Integrating AR/VR technology in the classroom can enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. To implement these programs, the school will engage with the community to gather feedback and insights. Additionally, the author will collaborate with an AR/VR education company to ensure that teachers and students have the necessary materials and resources for effective implementation.
References
Blippar. (2020). Bringing the augmented reality education to your home for free. https://www.blippar.com/blog/2020/04/07/bringing-the-augmented-reality-education-to-your-home-for-free
Elmqaddem, N. (2019). Augmented reality and virtual reality in education. Myth or reality? International JOurnal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 14(3), 234-242. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i03.9289
Stavroulia, K. -E., & Lanitis, A. (2019). Enhancing reflection and empathy skills via using a virtual reality-based learning framework. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 14(7), 18-36. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i07.9946