Table of Contents
Introduction
Virtual Reality (VR) has rapidly gained popularity as a mainstream technology, not just among consumers but also in businesses and educational facilities. As VR devices and software have become more accessible, we have discovered numerous effective use cases for immersive experiences, particularly in training and education. Studies have shown that immersion in VR can significantly improve learning outcomes in various scenarios. In fact, according to a PWC report, 40% of VR learners reported feeling more confident about using their newly acquired skills after practicing them in VR. Additionally, learners in VR environments were found to be up to 4 times more focused and 3.75 times more emotionally connected to the educational content. These findings have inspired developers and innovators to create exciting new solutions for VR education. In this article, we will explore some of the top VR education applications worth exploring this year.
ARuVR
ARuVR is a cutting-edge player in the VR Education space, offering businesses the tools they need to build their own immersive training experiences in augmented and virtual reality without the need for coding experts. This award-winning brand has developed the world’s first enterprise-grade, end-to-end platform for extended reality (XR) innovation, specifically designed for individuals without extensive XR knowledge.
Within the ARuVR ecosystem, companies can find a comprehensive XR authoring system, real-time session controls, and live streaming tools, all aimed at creating powerful and immersive educational experiences. These components work together to empower every company or educational institution to create a truly unique experience for their students, even without XR expertise.
Avantis Education
Avantis Education, a UK-based company, is a pioneer in the immersive learning landscape. They have developed the “Eduverse,” an innovative solution that provides schools with a Metaverse environment where students and teachers can interact through virtual classrooms. Students can access educational content in a secure and controlled environment, regardless of their location.
The Eduverse is a cross-platform, web-based solution, meaning it works not only on common VR headsets but also on tablets, phones, laptops, and computers. The base system is even available for free for educators, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The platform supports fully remote and hybrid learning solutions, and there’s an Eduverse Expeditions add-on for taking students on virtual excursions.
Prisms of Reality
Prisms of Reality is a platform focused on mathematics and is designed to enhance e-learning with built-in VR technology. The company believes that VR is one of the most powerful tools available for education, as our brains are wired to learn experientially. Prisms of Reality aims to transform the way new generations are exposed to STEM subjects.
By leveraging VR environments, Prisms of Reality helps students connect core concepts of Algebra and geometry through immersive tactile experiences. The virtual learning environments are customizable, and they provide teachers with real-time analytics and insights to inform further strategic planning. Currently, Prisms of Reality covers topics such as Calculus, Geometry, Physical Sciences, and Physics.
GigXR
GigXR has developed the Gig immersive learning platform, which offers a full library of holographic applications specifically focused on the healthcare industry. With these immersive applications, GigXR aims to eliminate the need for expensive cadavers, mannequins, and simulated patients in medical training.
GigXR has already created various learning modules for different use cases. For example, their “HoloPatient” module allows companies to train practitioners on how to interact with human patients. Recently, GigXR’s learning hub was updated with the ANIMA RES solution, which enables users to explore larger-than-life holographic representations of human organs, such as kidneys, hearts, and lungs.
ENGAGE
ENGAGE is a metaverse platform designed for hosting large-scale events, group sessions, and immersive learning experiences. With this comprehensive environment, companies and educators can design custom metaverse worlds that offer cross-platform support and exceptional scale. Users can create their own simulations and immersive content and use spatial recording tools to enhance immersion.
ENGAGE is ISO certified and secure, offering built-in tools for collaboration, whiteboarding, and presentations. The platform also provides pre-built templates in the ENGAGE portfolio for companies that prefer not to build an environment from scratch. With live support and endless flexibility, ENGAGE aims to accelerate access to immersive learning experiences for everyone.
Frame
Frame is a well-known VR collaboration platform that empowers educators and companies to create unique learning experiences within their own metaverse-style environments. As a WebX application, Frame can be accessed not only on VR headsets but also on web browsers and other devices.
With Frame, creators can design their own educational environments from scratch or use existing templates and add content to them. The platform offers various features tailored to the education sector, such as the ability to break students into small groups and let them experiment with different pieces of VR content. Frame can also be used to host virtual events.
VictoryXR
VictoryXR is a leader in the educational metaverse space, providing schools and companies with access to classrooms, 3D VR objects, professional development services, and a comprehensive platform. The VictoryXR ecosystem enables students and teachers to interact in true spatial 3D, allowing individuals to move around classroom environments and engage in collaborative sessions and immersive discussions.
The VictoryXR technology is compatible with mobile phones, laptops, and VR headsets, ensuring accessibility for all users regardless of their hardware. In 2021, VictoryXR partnered with Meta Platforms on the creation of 10 digital university campuses using digital twin technology.
In conclusion, VR has emerged as a powerful tool for training and education, with immersive experiences enhancing learning outcomes in various fields. These top VR education applications, such as ARuVR, Avantis Education, Prisms of Reality, GigXR, ENGAGE, Frame, and VictoryXR, offer innovative solutions for creating immersive and engaging educational experiences. By leveraging VR technology, these tools empower learners and educators to explore new frontiers in knowledge acquisition and skill development.