Technology 5 min read

Pros and Cons of VR, AR as Teaching Tools

Vr and AR could have massive potential as teaching tools. | Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Vr and AR could have massive potential as teaching tools. | Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

As we move into the future, education methods are constantly changing based on a better understanding of different learning styles. In education, implementations of VR and AR tech are on the rise.

Even simple applications of abstract concepts are improving education. Just take a look at this metacognition study in a Utah chemistry course.

VR and AR seem to exemplify this technology-driven world we’re living in. If it can be used to improve learning tools in schools, why not give a headset to every student? Of course, we must first consider the total impact of such a widespread application. So, what are the true pros and cons of VR and AR as teaching tools?

First Steps: Which Subject Matter Lends Itself Best to VR and AR?

As has been hotly debated, learning styles may or may not be a factor in how people absorb information.

VR is extremely immersive as it creates an entirely different virtual experience. AR, on the other hand, can be extremely accessible as the experience still relies on engaging our physical world.

Perhaps VR and AR are separately more efficient or more well-suited to helping certain types of learners.

Due to the interactive nature of the tech, history and science are prime subjects with which to start. VR could allow students to look inside the sun to visualize fusion reactions. 

Would the Civil War be more interesting to the average student if they could be transported to the Battle of Gettysburg in a VR headset? 

Would an AR projection of a scale model of a cotton gin help to explain to the average student how incredible the rise of machinery was during the Industrial Revolution?

Undoubtedly, the answer is yes. History has, since movies became mainstream, been more interesting on the screen than on the page.

Application: What Can VR and AR Do in the Classroom?

Learning about the Han dynasty using a VR headset to instantly drop you in the thick of Emperor Gaozu of Han’s imperial court could be life-changing.

As a result of the tech itself, the possibilities for historical immersion using VR are numerous. Similarly, you could use AR to show a visual chemical equation. This would allow students to “balance” the equation by interacting with the app.

It is important to note that neither of these approaches eliminates the need for a human teacher. While virtual and augmented reality technology can be immersive and informative, it will never replace a flesh and blood instructor able to interact with a student in real time.

In fact, if students are going to be witnessing the atom bomb drop, wouldn’t having a teacher there to help decompress after such an event be more important than ever?

VR can provide an experience, but what information is actually conveyed? A teacher is still better suited to provide context.

So What is the Downside of Using AR and VR as Teaching Tools?

One of the biggest arguments against and concerns about AR/VR as teaching tools is the involvement of human instructors. As UCSB biologist Douglas McCauley contends in a Phys.org article:

“You have this augmented experience of looking at a detail or process you can’t see in real life… I think there’s an interesting possibility there to enhance the outdoor experience. But how far do you push that before you lose some of the core values of being in nature: the opportunity to chat with the person next to you rather than staring at your phone, or the capacity to actually see the plant and experience nature with your own eyes rather than on a digital screen.”

Google Expeditions
Google Expeditions | YouTube.com

McCauley raises a fair point. This contention can also be applied to how medical students engage with practical applications of medical knowledge.

As realistic as performing surgery via VR would be, it would not replace the actual experience of operating on a real, live human being or animal. Students would need to experience the “real thing” before becoming fully fledged medical professionals.

What’s more, doesn’t the inclusion of this technology in class become the ultimate fidget spinner? How are teachers supposed to control the misuse of this equipment?

Viability and Accessibility

In the realm of neuroanatomy, one study found that there were no discernible differences in information absorption. However, students who used the VR approach did score much higher on motivation assessments.

This means that, as an ancillary tool to current teaching methods, AR and VR could both be incredibly useful. It can spur curiosity, help students better understand perspectives other than their own, and allow for completely unprecedented learning experiences.

As for the complete incorporation of virtual reality or augmented reality tech in education, we are still a while away from that integration.

The high cost of virtual reality hardware prohibits widespread use of the technology. Augmented reality, while more likely, does not offer as immersive an experience.

These technologies can expand the experience of learning, but they can’t replace a wise instructor.

Read More: Spherical VR: Meet the System Changing VR Experiences Forever

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Juliet Childers

Content Specialist and EDGY OG with a (mostly) healthy obsession with video games. She covers Industry buzz including VR/AR, content marketing, cybersecurity, AI, and many more.

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    John Usrey March 29 at 6:30 am GMT

    VR Technology is very impressive.

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