Augmented reality and virtual reality: transforming education and training

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are perpetually developing and expanding – and some of their most exciting integrations have been in the fields of education and training.

These interactive and immersive technologies are helping to redefine the traditional learning experience, offering learners and educators new tools and enhancing the learning experience, all while providing a bridge between the classroom and the real world. 

What is augmented reality?

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as images, videos, and 3D models, onto the real world. In doing so, AR enhances users’ perception of their physical environment and supplements the real world with computer-generated elements.

AR is widely accessible, with applications available on smartphones and tablets, making it a versatile tool for educational settings.

What is virtual reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that immerses users in a completely virtual environment, often with the aid of a VR headset or other head-mounted devices. In VR, the user’s real-world surroundings are replaced entirely by a computer-generated virtual world.

The immersive user experience allows learners to interact with and manipulate virtual objects and environments, creating an entirely new realm for education and training.

The differences between virtual reality and augmented reality

The primary distinction between AR and VR lies in their levels of immersion:

• Augmented reality enhances the real world by adding digital elements to it, allowing users to interact with both the physical and virtual realms simultaneously. Unlike virtual reality, AR doesn’t immerse users in an entirely virtual world.
• Virtual reality, on the other hand, replaces the real world entirely with a computer-generated environment, providing a fully immersive experience.

When AR and VR technologies are blended, meanwhile, this is referred to as mixed reality, or MR.

How are AR and VR used in education?

Augmented reality in education

AR in education has applications in creating:

• Interactive learning. The use of AR technology fosters interactive learning by enabling learners and students to engage with digital enhancements on real physical objects. For example, learners can use AR apps to explore 3D models of historical artifacts, or dissect a virtual frog.
• Real-world context. AR brings real-world relevance to educational content. By overlaying information onto everyday objects or locations, pupils can better understand abstract concepts. Geography learners, for instance, can use AR to explore the topography of various regions.
• Accessibility. AR is accessible through mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, making it a practical tool for teachers and learners in a variety of educational settings.
• Inclusivity. Applications of AR can be a valuable resource for learners with disabilities. For example, it can provide audio descriptions, sign language translations, or interactive content tailored to different learning needs.

Virtual reality in education

VR in education has applications in creating:

• Immersive learning. VR provides an immersive learning environment that enables learners to explore subjects in a deeper and more engaging way. From ancient history to space exploration, VR takes pupils on virtual journeys.
• Virtual laboratories. In fields like science and engineering, VR allows learners to conduct experiments and simulations safely in a virtual laboratory, helping them grasp complex concepts in a safer, more cost-efficient way.
• Customisation and personalisations: Educators can design virtual worlds to suit their teaching methods and cater to various learning styles.

Virtual reality is also useful in the higher education sector because it can transport students to international conferences and immersive field trips, enriching their educational experience in a more cost-effective, sustainable way.

How are AR and VR used in training?

Augmented reality in training

AR in training has applications in providing:

• Skills enhancement. AR is used for skills training in various industries. For example, healthcare professionals can use AR headsets for guidance before and during surgeries, enhancing precision and patient safety.
• On-the-job learning. AR apps can provide workers with real-time information and instructions while they perform tasks. This can be invaluable in sectors like manufacturing and maintenance.
• Repair guidance. In fields like aviation, AR can be used to guide technicians through complex maintenance and repair procedures, with AR overlays helping them to identify and fix issues efficiently.

Virtual reality in training

VR in training has applications in providing:

• Simulation-based training. VR technology is ideal for high-risk or expensive training scenarios. For instance, pilots can practice emergency procedures in a virtual cockpit, minimising risks and costs. VR is also increasingly used in medical training to simulate surgeries, diagnose diseases, and train medical professionals.
• Emergency response training. First responders, such as firefighters and paramedics, can use VR to simulate emergency scenarios, improving their readiness for real-life situations.
• Soft skills training. VR can be used for soft skills development, such as building communication skills. For example, customer service representatives can practice handling difficult customers in a safe virtual environment.

The benefits of using VR and AR in education and training

VR and AR share a number of benefits when used in educational technology (EdTech) and training environments.

For example, because they both provide immersive experiences, they make learning more engaging and effective – and therefore improve learning outcomes. In fact, studies show that immersive technologies increase knowledge retention.

One of the other benefits of augmented reality and virtual reality is that they bridge the gap between theory and practice, meaning that learners can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. 

The challenges when using VR and AR in education and training

Virtual reality and augmented reality are powerful learning tools, but educators and trainers still have a few challenges when applying the technologies:

• Cost. Implementing AR/VR technologies can be expensive when you factor in the purchase of hardware, software, and multimedia maintenance.
• Integration. Incorporating VR and AR technologies into the education system can be challenging because it often requires new infrastructure and training for educators.
• Content quality. Ensuring the quality and accuracy of educational content in VR and AR is essential to their success, while poorly designed experiences can hinder learning.
• Technical issues. Technical glitches, like device malfunctions or connectivity problems, can disrupt the learning process.
• Equity. Not all students or trainees will have access to the necessary hardware, potentially creating inequalities in education and training.
• Data privacy. The collection and storage of personal data, especially for younger learners, raises privacy concerns.

The future of VR and AR in education and training

The future of education and training’s relationship with AR and VR looks promising, with wider adoption already taking place as new technologies become more affordable and accessible. Particular areas of focus in the coming years include:

• Content development and standardisation. Industry standards can enhance the quality of reliability of AR and VR applications, and support content creators in producing high-quality e-learning materials that enrich the learning experience.
• Metaverse integration. The concept of the metaverse, a shared virtual space, could play a significant role in future education and learning methods.
• Global collaboration. AR and VR can enable learners, students, and professionals to collaborate globally, fostering new levels of international learning and knowledge exchange.

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