Immersive learning has become a transformative tool for imparting quality education. It has the perfect blend of 3D visuals, concepts, and imagined reality that has successfully translated and helped students understand complex subjects easily. It comprises virtual, mixed, and augmented reality tools to allow students to engage and interact better.
This blog will cover all the essential pointers that help individuals and educators understand the value of immersive learning in the education industry. Before we begin to the core of the blog, let us briefly understand what immersive learning is.
Definition of Immersive Learning
It refers to the type of education that involves students actively engaging in real-world scenarios and simulations to learn new skills and knowledge. In addition, it allows individuals to apply what they’ve learned in a more meaningful and relatable way, leading to better knowledge retention.
Besides that, it can help students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Examples of immersive learning include virtual reality simulations, role-playing exercises, and field trips.
Types of Immersive Learning
There are several types of immersive learning, such as -
1. Virtual Reality (VR) - uses computer-generated simulations to create a fully immersive environment.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) - overlays computer-generated information onto the real world to enhance the user's perception of their environment.
3. Mixed Reality (MR) - combines aspects of both VR and AR to create a hybrid environment that merges the real and virtual worlds.
4. Simulation-based training - uses computer-generated simulations to provide realistic training scenarios for various industries such as healthcare, aviation, and construction.
5. Game-based learning - uses interactive and engaging game-like environments to teach new skills and knowledge.
6. Role-playing - allows learners to take on a specific role and practice decision-making and problem-solving in a simulated environment.
Importance of Immersive Learning in the Education Industry
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, traditional forms of education are often not enough to prepare students for the real world. Learners tend to forget 70% of the content in just 24 hours, and almost 90% disappears within a month. However, with the help of immersive learning, the stats can change.
The VR, AR, and MR techniques have rapidly changed education patterns and delivery. The VR in the education market is expected to grow from USD 656.8 million in 2018 to USD 13098.2 million by 2026. Countries like North America, the US, Korea, India, etc., are adopting the ways of VR education. There are several benefits of implementing the concept in teaching and learning, which are as follows -
Enhances engagement and motivation - with the advent of mobile and development, modern life is full of distractions. But, with the help of the concept, it creates unique content that allows students to engage and interact better. In addition, it can lead to increased motivation and involvement in different scenarios.
Provides space for practice - There’s a famous quote saying that “practice makes a man perfect.” Repetition leads to perfecting techniques and improves knowledge retention. The immersive technology helps in providing space for practice and improvement. It allows the students to explore new possibilities and outcomes, which is crucial for practical training.
Learn through real-world scenarios - Immersive learning environments can provide a more realistic and relevant experience for students, allowing them to apply what they have learned to real-world scenarios.
Get Access to unique experiences - It can provide students with access to experiences that may not be possible or practical in the physical world, such as visiting a historical site or exploring a remote ecosystem.
Development of soft skills - In education, the environment is set and designed to focus on developing soft skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical thinking, and communication.
Scope of Immersive Learning in education -
The value and scope of immersive education are pretty extensive and encompass a range of applications. Some examples include the following -
K-12 Education
The concept can be used to teach a wide range of subjects, such as history, science, geography, mathematics, etc., through virtual field trips, simulations, and interactive games.
Higher Education -
Immersive learning can be used in universities and colleges to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in fields such as medicine, engineering, and architecture.
Vocational Training -
The technique can provide realistic training scenarios for various industries such as healthcare, aviation, and construction.
Language Learning -
The immersive education concept can enhance language learning by providing learners with an immersive environment where they can practice listening and speaking skills.
Special need education -
Immersive learning can provide disabled students with engaging and interactive learning experiences tailored to their specific needs.
Corporate training and professional development -
Immersive learning can give employees realistic training scenarios and simulations to develop skills and knowledge in various industries.
Conclusion
It’s no doubt that VR, AR, and MR are influencing education and learning to the extent of growth and development. The possibilities are immense, and so are the results. It has the potential to transform education by providing students with engaging and interactive learning experiences that can improve retention and understanding, increase engagement and motivation, and provide real-world relevance and the development of soft skills.
