VR and AR
The term VR stands for virtual reality and AR stands for augmented reality. I am not very friendly with this technology… In my country, I have not seen this in schools as well. The first time when I saw a VR was with my friend who worked in an IT company and was on the QA team she was asked to do testing of that device. I was really amazed by the way this device works and how engaging it is. But she complained about feeling headaches after using it. She mentioned that the device is entertaining but it is stressful as well. I never imagined the use of it in my classroom and I think the main reason behind it is the cost of this device.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
The distinctions between VR and AR come down to the devices they require and the experience itself –
- AR uses a real-world setting whereas VR is completely virtual
- AR users can control their presence in the real world and VR users are controlled by the system
- VR requires a headset device but AR can be accessed with a smartphone
- AR enhances both the virtual and real world while VR only enhances a fictional reality
Now, the use of these devices is very popular but in a school setting, I am still unsure of it. I think the main issue with the use of this technology is availability, affordability, and accessibility. Makransky(2021) mentions that VR is a complex media system, that encompasses a specific technological setup for sensory immersion and is capable of giving users the experience of being in the simulated world. Virtual reality is used in education to enhance students’ engagement as it creates a real world around us. Both AR and VR are powerful technologies which can provide a wide platform for learning and interestingly attaining knowledge.
The advantage of using this technology in the classroom are –
- Active experience rather than just passive information
- Helps to understand complex concepts, subjects, or theories
- Boosts students creativity
- Expands learners’ efficiency to gain knowledge
- Increase Interest in boring subjects
- Improve the understanding level of students
- Improving memory power
- Fun, Virtual tour, and existing game-based education
- Improve a Student’s Imagination power
Also, the disadvantages of this technology are –
- Lack of real communication
- Lack of flexibility
- Cost issues
- Lack of training
- Issues of addiction
- Problem with functioning
— Thank You
About The Author
Shristy Deep Godara
Educator | Learner | Traveller | Dog Lover
This was well written, thanks for such an informative post! I think it is always important to look at the pros and cons of anything. Within Heller (2020), it discussed privacy breaches such as tracking eye movement which could relate to medical concerns. I thought this was mind blowing, as I had never thought of this before. Can you imagine education with VR? How would this change the classroom?
hi sristy
I really like your point of view and way of explanation of your blog post. I totally agree that in India we did not use this type of technology in the classroom but I am very happy we learn a lot of things in this classroom to teach students in different ways. The use of technology has many benefits because some students take much more time to understand the difficult concept but with the help of audio-visual aids they can grasp knowledge easily and this knowledge retains for a long time in their mind.