Someone once said to me, you don’t know what you don’t know, and I realized the truth of that sentence when every so often I was exposed to new knowledge that test my existing understanding, especially in the area of technologies.
I always have the impression that augmented reality and virtual reality technologies were still not advanced enough for them to be used in a practical sense as education technologies.
When I did further research on the subjects however, I realized that augmented reality and virtual reality technologies have advanced a lot since 4-5 years ago. There are places using them for learning but they happen in fields of specialized works and its largely experimental. The technologies still cost a bomb especially for virtual reality (there are cheaper alternatives for augmented) but there are several impressive display of technological capabilities of what is and will be on the market.
A brief definition of the terms as summarized from Wikipedia:
Virtual Reality is a technology that replicates an environment, real or imagined while simulating a user’s physical presence and environment in a way that allows user interaction. (ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality)
Augmented Reality is a technology that augment or supplement real world environment with computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. (ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality)
As with emerging technologies, especially technologies that affects the human senses, common sense will tell you that these technologies are not for prolonged use, it could strain your eyes or give you motion sickness depending on what content is displayed and how long you are using the technologies.
Virtual Reality
TechCrunch wrote a pretty good article on Virtual Reality in Education, well worth a read: http://techcrunch.com/2016/01/23/when-virtual-reality-meets-education/
This video by Immersive Virtual Reality Education shows the impressive capabilities and potential of its technologies: https://youtu.be/d4XZwSxeUIw
I have not tried out the system, but just by looking at the virtual environment which is dependent on 3D models and programming, my sensing as per my experience in multimedia development is that the price tag involved in creating a customized 3D environment (not including the equipment purchase) will not be practical for most small institutes that lack strong funding.
If I have to consider this kind of technology adoption in my work, some questions I will reflect on:
- What is the justification in using virtual reality for this particular courseware? When the same amount of budget can allow me to hire vendors to create 3 or more blended learning modules?
- Will it value add? Increase revenue returns?
- What are the Pros and Cons?
Virtual reality as a concept involves the senses, which lends its strength into the practical aspects of learning. It also has strong engagement value if done right, but I suspect creating an expansive and detailed 3D environment, with appropriate tactile and audio inputs will be quite costly and needs a strong wallet.
Not to mention the technology is still very young, if it fails to be properly designed and implemented, if stakeholders and vendors are unable to align expectations, the adoption of virtual reality can turn into an expensive white elephant.
The justification for utilizing of virtual reality in learning will have to be strong, and as with any development and implementation of new technologies, the various stages of the project needs to be monitored closely.
I can see virtual reality being deploy for selected practical based lessons in medical fields(Immersive VR Education has an upcoming video sample), certain engineering fields of works (maybe operation of complex machinery where a wrong process can have cascading consequences) but the success of such adoptions are still a question mark.
It certainly has novelty value, but I wouldn’t be so quick to jump on the bandwagon. If however, I am put in a situation where I have to explore such technologies, the SAMR Model developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, can be best applied here for slow and incremental adoption.
The first step might be to test out using virtual reality as a distance learning or classroom supplement tool. As stated by Immersive VR Education of its Lecture VR, “…it is a tool that allows users to hold meetings, educators to hold classes and content creators to create immersive experiences. Think of us as a type of networked Virtual Reality PowerPoint with immersive environments, simulated objects and interactive tools that will make educational content fun and intuitive.”
Instead of investing a sum in adopting virtual reality for a full-blown courseware, maybe one could first dip his toes in the waters, try out if virtual reality can be used as a replacement for classroom.
Imagine large organization with workers scattered in various office buildings. If each of those offices have a special room for virtual reality learning, does the concept of virtual classroom works?
Now that there’s a pool of users who have experienced virtual reality, what’s the feedback? Is it worth it to attempt development of a virtual reality courseware? Or is the target user base or organizational culture just not appropriate for such technology adoption?
During the course of using virtual reality, does the user experience any discomfort or points of note? What kind of safety measures should be in place for adoption of such new technologies? Does the benefits outweighs any perceived cons or areas of concerns?
These are my own opinions of how I will do things. Maybe I err on the side of caution, but when a technology is still not as tested as traditional mediums, it pays to be patient and meticulous.
Augmented Reality
Is more established than virtual reality though it is still young. The definition of augmented reality in itself allows for the inclusion of cheaper technologies that does not need to surround its user in a virtual world, or occupy so many senses with a ‘realistic’ virtual environment.
There are some upcoming technologies in this field that impresses me with their potential. They are still in development, but what they could offer if they work as advertised 🙂 will be very exciting.
Microsoft’s HoloLens: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us
Magic Leap: https://www.magicleap.com/#/home
Here’s to hoping that holographic user interfaces will be a thing in the near future.
Knowledge has no boundaries 