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AR/VR technology has made a significant impact on the education industry, particularly in online learning. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into education websites has transformed the way students learn, making it more interactive, engaging, and immersive. This article will explore the reasons why businesses should invest in AR/VR for their education websites and the benefits it brings to learners.
What is AR/VR Technology?
Before delving into the importance of AR/VR in education websites, let’s first understand what AR/VR technology is. Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that enhances the real-world environment with computer-generated information. It allows users to see virtual objects in the real world, adding digital information to physical objects. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) creates a completely digital world for users to explore and interact with. Users are immersed in a virtual environment using VR devices such as headsets.
AR/VR technology forms the foundation of education websites, providing a platform for active and immersive learning experiences. It has revolutionized traditional learning practices and captured the attention of learners and educators alike.
AR in Education Websites
AR technology enhances learning by allowing students to actively participate in the learning process. It improves abilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and iterative testing. By integrating AR into education websites, learners are more engaged, perform better academically, and are more likely to explore and understand complex concepts.
The market for AR was valued at $2.35 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $117.4 billion by 2022, according to Marketresearch.com. The following are some use cases of augmented reality in online education:
Augmented Reality Apps in Schools
- Elements 4D: This app by DAQRI studio teaches elementary, secondary, and high-school Chemistry through interactive AR experiences.
- Anatomy 4D and Corinth Micro Anatomy: These apps provide medical students with virtual anatomy lessons.
- Math Alive and ZooKazam: These apps help children learn numbers and animals through augmented reality.
Augmented Reality Apps in Medical Training
AR technology is used in medical training to improve students’ knowledge and skills. For example:
- Touch Surgery: This tool allows users to practice virtual surgeries on virtual patients.
- Froggipedia: This app offers a guided virtual dissection of frogs, helping students understand anatomy.
AR technology also finds applications in space learning, product manufacturing classes, military training, tailoring, painting, and other learning niches.
VR in Education Websites
Virtual reality has the potential to revolutionize traditional learning practices by creating immersive learning environments. VR allows learners to interact with the learning material in a virtual world, intensifying engagement and improving retention. According to Marketresearch.com, the adoption of VR products was valued at $1.37 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $33.9 billion by 2022.
Various companies and institutions have already incorporated VR into education:
- Google: The company offers educational field trips to students using VR headsets.
- Microsoft: Microsoft immerses players into Minecraft, allowing children to express their creativity by exploring the virtual world.
- Unimersiv: Unimersiv provides VR educational content for businesses and institutions.
Here are some examples of VR technology being used in education:
Virtual Reality Apps in Schools
- Titans of Space: This interactive VR app teaches students about the solar system.
- Anatomyou: This app helps teach students about the human body systems.
- Tiltbrush: Tiltbrush is a VR app that boosts creativity among students in arts, crafts, paintings, and drawings.
VR technology also finds applications in military training, medical treatment training, and other fields that require immersive learning experiences.
Why Should You Integrate AR/VR in Education Websites?
Integrating AR/VR into education websites offers several benefits to learners. It encourages exploration and self-paced learning, improves engagement and understanding, and provides seamless learning experiences. By incorporating gamification and interactive 3D design and modeling, AR/VR technologies enhance the learning process and keep learners focused.
A report from Dell Future Workforce Global Study states that over 66% of the global workforce would use AR/VR products as a training tool. Investing in AR/VR technology for online education websites is a lucrative investment that can help students excel in the online business world.
In conclusion, AR/VR technology has transformed the education industry, making learning more interactive, engaging, and immersive. By investing in AR/VR for education websites, businesses can provide learners with a dynamic and effective learning experience. Whether through augmented reality or virtual reality, AR/VR technologies offer numerous benefits that enhance engagement, understanding, and retention.