Unlocking Boundless Learning: An Introduction to Immersive Education

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Many traditional classroom-based learning approaches are becoming obsolete in the digital age, with the increased need for personalized, lifelong learning.   Immersive learning is the way forward. Immersive learning technologies are already revolutionizing the education sector and organizational training programs.   

The power of immersive learning lies in its ability--with Extended Reality technologies (such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality), adaptive learning platforms, and artificial intelligence--to provide digitally created content and environments that are more engaging, interactive, and replicate real-life scenarios.  Every learner is unique, and immersive learning offers a more inclusive and accessible learning experience. It allows learners to be active participants who directly influence outcomes in the learning scenario. 

It is one of the most effective ways for learners to develop their knowledge and skills by providing opportunities for practice-based learning in situations that were previously impossible to recreate. This practice-based learning is not only risk-free and safe. Still, it is also a game changer for developing skills as individuals can learn at their own pace, repeat tasks measure their success, and have the opportunity to react to situations the same way they would in real life. Additionally, immersive simulations enable dangerous, complex, or costly scenarios that could not be reproduced in real life to be recreated in virtual environments.    

Research has demonstrated these learning experiences are significantly more engaging memorable, and impact students success in these ways: 

• A brain study found that augmented reality elicits a “surprise” response in the brain and results in more than double the level of visual attention and a 70% higher rate of encoded memory (Andrew, 2018). 

• 3D learning improved test results of 86% of students by an average of 17% (BBC, 2011). 

• VR laboratory simulations improved conceptual knowledge by 31.15% (Texas Instruments, undated). 

• Learners in VR training were 4 times faster to train than in a typical classroom setting, 275% more confident to apply skills learned after training, 3.75 times more connected to content than classroom learners, and 4 times more focused than their e-learning peers (Likens & Mower, 2022). 

• Other studies demonstrate the use of extended reality in learning increases students’ motivation, collaboration, understanding of content, physical task performance, information retention, and much more. 

Immersive learning is particularly efficient for visual and kinesthetic learners and benefits both younger students and adults throughout their lifetime. With the rise of lifelong learning, immersive learning helps eliminate the divide between learning and working. 

The benefits of immersive learning are undeniable. In the coming years, we will see exponential growth in its use as there is a continuous shift towards personalization and adaptation to each learner's needs.   

Of course, successful implementation of technology in education requires consideration of ethical, accessibility, quality, and equity issues and a focus on human interaction, traditional teaching methods, and faculty expertise. By prioritizing these factors and brokering collaborative efforts between technology experts and educators, together, we all will make education's future more personalized and immersive, ensuring learners reach their full potential. 

References:  

Andrew, Heather (May 24, 2018). How augmented reality affects the brain. Neuro-Insight. https://www.zappar.com/blog/how-augmented-reality-affects-brain/Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxvfSF60ujE&t=12s  ​

BBC (September 29, 2011). 3D learning tools positive for pupils, says study. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-15115059  

Texas Instruments. 3D lesson case study. https://www.dropbox.com/s/sy3h9qz6lzkr6ar/Texas_Instruments - DLP-CaseStudy-3Dpilot.pdf?dl=0  

Likens, Scott and Mower, Andrea. (September 15, 2022). What does virtual reality and the metaverse mean for training? PwC. https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/emerging-tech/virtual-reality-study.html  ​