As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, so too does the landscape of education and career development. E-learning has been a part of this transformation for some time, offering learners and professionals the flexibility and accessibility they need to keep up with the demands of the modern world.
But with the advent of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), e-learning is set to take on a whole new dimension of interactivity, immersion, and engagement. These technologies allow for the creation of personalized and immersive learning experiences that cater to learners’ specific needs and learning styles.
Furthermore, VR and AR are transforming the way we develop skills and prepare for careers. Virtual simulations enable us to practice real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of real-life consequences. This can be especially valuable for professionals in high-risk industries, where mistakes can have serious consequences.
However, as with any innovation, there are challenges and limitations to consider. Technical requirements, cost, and accessibility are just some of the factors that need to be addressed in order to fully realize the potential of VR and AR in e-learning.
Despite these challenges, the potential for VR and AR in e-learning is immense. From virtual classrooms and online learning to professional development and skills enhancement, the opportunities for learners and career developers are vast.
In this article, we will explore the applications, benefits, challenges, and future of VR and AR in e-learning, and discover how these technologies are revolutionizing education and career development.
What is virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technology?
If you’re not familiar with VR and AR technology, let me break it down for you. VR and AR are both forms of immersive technology that create a digital world around the user. The main difference between the two is how they achieve this:
Virtual Reality (VR) completely immerses the user in a digital environment, blocking out the real world entirely. This is typically achieved through a headset or other wearable device, which tracks the user’s movements and adjusts the digital environment accordingly.
Augmented Reality (AR), on the other hand, overlays digital elements onto the real world, enhancing the user’s perception of reality rather than replacing it entirely. This is typically achieved through a mobile device or other screen, which uses the device’s camera and other sensors to identify and track real-world objects and add digital elements on top.
About VR and AR in e-learning, Dr. Scott Gray, Owner of Back in Motion Physical Therapy & Performance, shares, “VR and AR are exciting and innovative technologies that have the potential to transform the way we learn and experience the world around us. With their ability to create immersive and interactive learning environments, these technologies offer endless possibilities for engaging, personalized, and impactful learning experiences.”
Examples of VR and AR technology in action are everywhere these days. Some popular examples include:
- VR gaming, where players are fully immersed in a digital world and can interact with it in a variety of ways.
- AR apps like Pokemon Go, which overlay digital creatures onto the real world and allow players to capture them.
- VR training simulations, which allow professionals in fields like medicine and aviation to practice high-risk scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
- AR advertising, which allows brands to add interactive digital elements to their real-world advertisements.
As the technology grows, more and more people are becoming aware of it. See image:
The possibilities for VR and AR technology are virtually limitless (no pun intended). From entertainment and advertising to education and career development, these technologies are changing the way we interact with digital content and the world around us.
The benefits of VR and AR in e-learning
VR and AR have the power to transport learners to new worlds, providing safe and immersive environments for them to explore and learn. Patrick Smith, Growth Strategist at Skill Courses, shares, “By enabling learners to interact with digital content in new ways and providing personalized, adaptive learning experiences, these technologies offer limitless potential to transform education and training.”
Now that you understand what these technologies are, let’s explore some of the benefits these offer, so you can have a broader sense of their importance. Here are some of the advantages of VR and AR learning:
Increased engagement and retention: VR training has a retention rate of 75% — compared to 5% boring lectures, 10% reading, and 20% audio. For good reason. VR and AR technology provide an immersive and interactive learning experience that promotes engagement and retention. By placing learners in a virtual environment, they can interact with the content and explore concepts in a way that is not possible with traditional learning methods. This engagement leads to higher retention rates, as learners are more likely to remember information that they interact with, rather than just passively read or watch. For example, a medical student can use VR to explore the human body and see how different organs and systems work in a 3D environment, making it easier to remember and understand complex concepts.
Personalized learning: VR and AR technology enable learners to experience personalized learning tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. This can include adjusting the difficulty level of simulations or providing feedback on specific areas where the learner needs improvement. For example, an architecture student can use AR to overlay a 3D model of a building onto the real world, allowing them to see how different design choices would look in a real-world context, says Jonathan Faccone, Managing Member & Founder of Halo Homebuyers.
Remote learning: With VR and AR, learners can participate in remote learning experiences that feel like they’re right there in the classroom. This is particularly beneficial for learners who may be unable to attend physical classes, due to geographical location, physical disabilities, or other reasons. This allows learners to have the same immersive learning experience as they would in-person, without the limitations of geography or mobility. For example, a student in a remote area can participate in a VR chemistry lab, with the same level of engagement and interactivity as if they were physically present in the lab.
Realistic simulations: “VR and AR simulations provide a safe and controlled environment for learners to practice real-world scenarios without the risk of real-life consequences”, says Brad Anderson, Founder of FRUITION. This is particularly valuable for high-risk industries, such as healthcare or aviation, where mistakes can be costly. For example, a surgeon can use VR to practice a complex surgical procedure before performing it on a patient, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
Cost savings: VR and AR technology can significantly reduce the costs associated with training and education, particularly in industries where hands-on training is required. For example, training on expensive machinery can be conducted virtually, reducing the need for costly equipment and minimizing downtime. This can also save costs associated with travel and lodging for learners who would need to attend in-person training sessions. For example, a technician can use VR to learn how to maintain a complex piece of machinery, without needing to physically be on-site.
Enhanced collaboration: VR and AR technology enable learners to collaborate with each other in a virtual space, regardless of their physical location. This enhances teamwork and communication skills, which are critical in many industries. For example, a team of engineers can use AR to collaborate on a complex design project, with each team member contributing to the project from their own location, in a shared virtual space, says says James MacAonghus, VP of Research at AQUTE.
Overall, the benefits of VR and AR in e-learning are vast. These technologies provide an immersive, interactive, and personalized learning experience, while also reducing costs and improving safety in high-risk industries. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see even greater advances in e-learning and career development.
The applications of VR and AR in education and career development
The VR industry alone is growing rapidly; by 2026, it’s expected to reach a whopping $26 billion, from an increase of $8 billion in 2022.
Kenny Kline, President and Financial Lead at BarBend, says, “Virtual and Augmented Reality are the new teachers of e-learning, where the classroom becomes a limitless playground of imagination and innovation, and the student becomes the explorer of endless possibilities.”
Now, let’s explore each of the applications of VR and AR in education and career development in more detail:
Healthcare: VR and AR technology has been increasingly adopted in medical training to simulate surgeries, anatomy lessons, and patient examinations. Medical students can practice procedures in a safe and controlled environment without the risk of harming a real patient, says Katie Holmes, Medical Practioner at Onsite First Aid Training. Experienced doctors can also use the technology to refine their skills, learn new techniques, and test innovative surgical procedures.
Andrew Pieri, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon further explains “Hospitals and Clinics can use VR technology to train medical students and doctors to perform surgical procedures on a virtual heart. Similarly, we can also leverage VR technology to create simulations of medical emergencies for healthcare providers to practice and improve our skills.”
Engineering: VR and AR can be used in engineering to create virtual models of products, buildings, and infrastructure. Engineers can use the technology to collaborate on projects, test designs before they are built, and identify design issues before they become costly problems. For example, NASA uses VR technology to train astronauts for space missions and simulate spacewalks. VR and AR technology has also been used in automotive design, allowing designers to create virtual prototypes and test aerodynamics, ergonomics, and safety features.
Education: VR and AR technology can be used to create immersive learning experiences in various subjects, such as history, science, and geography. Students can explore historical sites, travel to different parts of the world, and engage in interactive learning activities. Adam Fard, Founder & Head of Design at Adam Fard UX Agency says “This technology provides a more engaging and interactive learning experience than traditional textbooks, lectures, and videos.” For example, Nearpod VR is a platform that allows teachers to create virtual field trips and lessons for students. Google Expeditions is another example of a VR platform that allows students to explore places like the Great Barrier Reef, the International Space Station, and the inside of the human body.
Military and law enforcement: VR and AR technology can be used in military and law enforcement training to simulate high-stress scenarios and tactical operations. This allows trainees to practice decision-making skills and situational awareness in a controlled environment, without the risk of real-world consequences. For example, the U.S. Army uses VR technology to simulate combat scenarios and train soldiers for real-world missions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses VR technology to create simulations of crime scenes and train agents in crime scene investigation.
Aviation: VR and AR technology can be used in aviation to train pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance workers. Trainees can practice procedures, simulate emergency situations, and learn how to operate complex equipment in a safe and controlled environment. For example, Boeing uses VR technology to train pilots on new aircraft models and simulate emergency scenarios. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also uses VR technology to train air traffic controllers and simulate air traffic scenarios.
Retail: Faizan Ahmed Khan, Sr. Content Marketing Specialist at UBUY Kuwait says “VR and AR technology can be used in retail to create virtual storefronts and product demonstrations. Customers can explore products in a virtual space, see how they look in their own homes, and make more informed purchasing decisions.”
For example, IKEA uses AR technology to allow customers to visualize furniture in their homes before making a purchase. Sephora uses AR technology to allow customers to try on makeup virtually before making a purchase.
Architecture and design: VR and AR technology can be used in architecture and design to create virtual models of buildings and infrastructure. Architects can collaborate with clients, test design concepts, and visualize the finished product before construction begins. This technology also allows architects to identify design issues early on and make changes before they become costly problems. For example, the architecture firm HOK uses VR technology to create virtual walkthroughs of their designs and allow clients to experience the design before construction begins, says Alex Lopez, Founder & CEO at HeyOffer.
The challenges and limitations of VR and AR in e-learning
As with any emerging technology, VR and AR in e-learning come with their own set of challenges and limitations. Here are a few worth considering:
Cost: VR and AR technologies can be expensive to develop, implement and maintain. This can limit the adoption of these technologies in education and career development, particularly in less developed regions or low-income communities.
Technical difficulties: VR and AR technologies require specific hardware and software requirements, such as powerful computing systems, headsets, and sensors. Technical difficulties may arise with system compatibility, connectivity, and performance issues.
Immersive experience: “While the immersive experience offered by VR and AR is considered a strength, it can also be a weakness. It can lead to disorientation, discomfort, and fatigue, particularly for individuals with motion sickness or sensory overload”, says Jeoffrey Murray, Digital Marketing Expert at Solar Panel Installation.
Lack of customization: The development of VR and AR experiences requires specialized skills and knowledge, limiting the ability of individuals to create their own learning experiences.
Limited interaction: VR and AR technologies can provide interactive experiences, but they may not fully replace human interaction. Socialization, collaboration, and personal relationships are crucial in education and career development.
Limited accessibility: Individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities may face challenges accessing VR and AR experiences due to the limitations of hardware and software.
Despite these challenges and limitations, VR and AR technologies have immense potential in revolutionizing e-learning. Addressing these challenges can help unlock the full potential of these technologies in education and career development.
The future of e-learning with VR and AR
The use of VR and AR in e-learning is still in its infancy, but the potential for growth is enormous. Gene Fitzgerald, Head of Marketing at BOS, says, “Virtual and Augmented Reality are poised to revolutionize the future of e-learning, with their ability to create immersive and interactive environments that cater to individual learning styles.”
As these technologies continue to advance and become more accessible, we can expect to see a shift towards personalized and adaptive learning experiences that leverage the full potential of VR and AR.
Here are some trends and possibilities for the future of e-learning with VR and AR:
Personalized learning experiences: VR and AR can create unique learning experiences tailored to each individual learner’s needs, interests, and learning style. By leveraging big data and artificial intelligence, VR and AR can provide real-time feedback and adapt to the learner’s progress and preferences.
Gamification: Tom Miller, Director of Marketing at FitnessVolt, emphasizes, “Game-based learning has proven to be an effective teaching method, and VR and AR technologies can take gamification to the next level. With immersive environments, interactive simulations, and engaging scenarios, learners can enhance their learning outcomes while having fun.”
Remote learning: With the rise of remote work and distance learning, VR and AR technologies can provide more engaging and interactive remote learning experiences. Learners can collaborate with peers and instructors in virtual environments and access real-world simulations from anywhere in the world.
Professional development: VR and AR can facilitate hands-on training and skill development for various industries, such as healthcare, aviation, engineering, and more. Simulations can provide safe and cost-effective training opportunities, reducing risks and improving performance. So, incorporating IoT healthcare solutions into the realm of virtual and augmented reality is driving a revolution in education and career development.
Augmented reality for on-the-job support: “AR can provide real-time guidance and support for employees on the job, reducing errors and improving efficiency”, says Jamie Irwin, Digital Marketing Expert at StemCellVet. Similarly, AR can also provide personalized training and assessment, making it easier for employees to learn and grow in their roles.
Integration with emerging technologies: The integration of VR and AR with other emerging technologies, such as blockchain, 5G, and IoT, can create new possibilities for e-learning. For example, blockchain can facilitate credential verification and certification, while IoT can enable real-time monitoring and analysis of learner performance.
While there are challenges and limitations to overcome, the potential benefits and opportunities are vast. As these technologies continue to evolve and mature, we can expect to see new and innovative applications in education and the workplace.
The takeaway
In conclusion, VR and AR technologies are revolutionizing e-Learning and career development by providing immersive and interactive experiences that enhance learning outcomes and engagement.
Hamza G. Email Outreaching Expert at Outreaching.io sumarizes it, “From virtual field trips to job simulations, these technologies have the potential to transform the way we learn and work.” However, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be addressed to fully harness their potential. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see even more exciting applications and advancements in the future of e-Learning.
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