Our education and training systems have relied on traditional, old-school methods for the longest time we can remember. Moreover, our learning methods have felt stuck in the past. Well, buckle up then, because the future of learning is here! With the introduction of AR and VR, we no longer have to keep staring at those old textbooks or hear lectures that make our brains snooze.
Haven’t all of us felt the need for something interesting, exciting, and adventurous too?!
This new technology has now transformed learning and education into a very fascinating, and mind-blowing galaxy of possibilities.
From exploring cities while sitting on the sofa in your living room to dissecting a frog or even performing complex operations virtually, these technologies are here to give us lifetime experiences and also make tasks a lot easier for professionals to enhance their skills even more.
So, let’s dive into the world of AR and VR to have a better understanding of their contribution to transforming our learning and training methods.
What Can We Expect From AR and VR?
While knowing that this technology has the potential to provide lifetime experiences, we still should not forget that it is a man-made technology after all. Here is what you can expect from it:
- How about you experience all the historical events rather than having to read boring history books? We get it! It is not easy to imagine your history class not being boring, but well, this is what an AR headset is capable of doing.
All you have to do is put it on and BAM! Your world will be transformed.
- Wouldn’t it be exciting to virtually dissect a frog or explore a 3D human body in your next science class instead of staring at the same diagrams every day? This is how fun and interesting learning can become.
- Or just imagine learning a new language that too in the comfort of your own home. AR can even provide AI tutors to help you practice pronunciation and speech, boosting your confidence while also preparing you for real-life conversations.
Not only are AR apps limited to making learning fun and exciting but at the same time they also help students learn in any way they want to.
Let’s understand it with examples:
Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed? AR can create calming virtual worlds that are exactly what’s needed to grab your attention and also make you relaxed.
Students who need extra help or are stuck at something often panic. But again, worry not! As AR apps are here just for you. They can read text and translate language out loud to make things easier for your understanding.
How Can You Improve Using VR?
Technology is something that if used effectively can elevate your skills and take your expertise to a whole new level. Same is the case with VR, they can transport you to super realistic worlds where you get to practice your skills in ways you would have never even imagined.
Here is how:
- Doctors can step into virtual operating rooms and practice surgeries. VR can allow them to experience different conditions, try new techniques, and even handle emergencies all in a safe and controlled environment.
- Additionally, pilots can train in virtual cockpits facing crazy weather conditions, tricky landings, and even unfamiliar airports. This helps them prepare for flights.
- Lastly, and specifically for engineers, you can walk through life-size models of your designs in VR and even test them out. It can make it easier for you to identify problems early, improve safety, and make your creations even more amazing.
How is VR Helpful Apart From Professional Work?
We have talked about how AR and VR can help us learn and grow professionally, but what else do they offer? Let’s get to know:
A lot of people are shy about speaking up, they hesitate in speaking in front of a large audience and it could be due to various reasons. This is where VR helps you, it lets you practice in front of a virtual audience.
This is not enough! It also provides personalized feedback to overcome stage fright. Doesn’t it feel like having your own little Ted talk where you get to speak, improve your skills, and most importantly make yourself expressive and confident?
Another amazing example of how it can help is that in case your work team is scattered across the world, VRs are capable of creating dynamic meeting rooms for you. Or even if it is not something related to work, you can still virtually hang out with friends!
Aren’t all these things amazing? VR has just stepped in and is already transforming how we learn and grow. Imagine the things it would be capable of doing in the near future!
How Can AR and VR Transform Our Lives?
Whatever we have talked about up till now already feels unreal. But be prepared, because there is a lot more that is yet to come! Other than education, and work, AR/VR is also contributing to many other areas of life.
You’ll be amazed to know how much it has already transformed things:
- You can go on virtual vacations and explore your favorite destinations before actually booking a trip.
- Or if a patient is stressed about surgery, VR can show you exactly what’s going to happen and calm your nerves.
- The best of all, how convenient is it to virtually place furniture in your house before actually spending on it Helps you in making informed decisions.
There is even more:
- Imagine an app that adapts to your learning style making education personalized and fun
- Or just imagine connecting or collaborating with colleagues even when you’re miles apart.
However, this is just the beginning of the AR/VR world! Be ready to explore and connect in ways you would have never even imagined.
These are some of the most highly-regarded AR and VR Apps for education and other work-related purposes:
AR and VR Apps for Learning
Here are some of the most highly-regarded AR and VR Apps for education and other work-related purposes:
JigSpace
Description: JigSpace is like a magic portal that takes you to a world of 3D models.
Key features:
- Get detailed 3D diagrams.
- You can even disassemble and reassemble things to get a deeper understanding.
- Test and enhance your understanding by quizzes and annotations that are built into 3D models.
- Let’s you embark on guided virtual tours, and even explore complex structures and environments at your own pace.
Price: Free to use but you can unlock more features with a subscription at just $49.99/month.
Best for: visual learners
Click to visit App Store
Complete Anatomy
Description: This app uses detailed 3D models to show you the entire body system.
Key Features:
- Contains crystal clear high-definition 3D models.
- Interactive dissections for a deeper understanding of how everything connects.
- AR overlays bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Has engaging learning modules, quizzes and games which make learning fun and easy to remember.
Price: $34.99-$99.99/year subscription.
Best for: Medical students, anatomy & physiology learners, healthcare professionals.
Click to visit App Store or Google Play Store
Adobe Aero
Description: Create and interact with immersive AR experiences.
Key features:
- Collaboration tools help you collaborate with friends and classmates.
- 3D object creation allows you to design anything you can dream of.
- Gives you a multi-user experience.
Price: Free
Best for: Design and creative projects, interactive learning experiences, and collaborative learning.
Click to visit App Store or Google Play Store
Animal safari AR
Description: This app brings the animal kingdom to life with life-size AR animal that you can interact with and learn about.
Key features:
- Allows you to meet different creatures.
- You can hear realistic animal sounds.
- Explore the different habitats.
- Feeding animations allows you to even. feed them virtually
Price: Free.
Best for: Young learners, visual and kinesthetic learners, or simply anyone who loves animals.
Click to Visit App Store or Google Play Store
Brush it 3D
Description: Add live 3D effects and photorealistic drawings to real-world scenes just with your finger.
Key features:
- Create live 3D effects.
- AR drawing and writing.
- Use photorealistic textures.
- You can capture your masterpiece and share your creations with friends.
- This app is available only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
Price: Free
Best for: Creative expression, visual learning, exploring spatial relationships.
Click to Visit App Store
Sky Guide
Description: Identify stars, constellations, planets, and satellites simply by pointing your device at the sky.
Key features:
- Star map with real-time updates.
- Constellation outlines; makes them easy to identify.
- Information about celestial objects.
- Provides X-ray view for invisible stars.
Price: $2.99
Best for: Astronomy enthusiasts star gazing beginners, learning about the night sky.
Click to Visit App Store
Assemblr
Description: This app offers both VR and AR experiences for various subjects, making learning more engaging and immersive.
- VR and AR lessons.
- 3D presentation tools.
- Interactive learning activities.
- Collaborative features.
Key features:
Price: Free version with limited features or $50/month subscription for full access.
Best for: All learners, exploring diverse subjects in VR and AR, classroom collaboration, interactive learning.
Click to Visit App Store or Google Play Store
Horizon workrooms
Description: Lets remote teams hold immersive meetings in virtual workspaces.
Key features:
- Allows to hold VR meetings.
- You can brainstorm on whiteboards.
- Has customizable rooms.
Price: Free
Best for: Remote teams or business to improve communication and teamwork across locations.
Click to visit Meta
Connec2
Description: It is a VR collaboration platform with avatars, 3D environments, whiteboards and more.
Key features:
- You can represent yourself with avatars.
- Can work in 3D workspaces.
- Remote desktop sharing for presentations.
Price: Varies depending on use.
Best for: Training and education for engaging experiences.
Click to Visit Connec2
MeetinVR
Description: Offers VR meeting spaces designed to enhance collaboration and communication.
Key features:
- Connect VR meeting rooms.
- Allows to use Virtual avatars.
- Spatial audio.
Price: Includes free trial and subscriptions.
Best for: Anyone seeking a more immersive and interactive way to connect remotely.
Click to Visit MeetinVR
These are just some of the apps. Choose the one that fits your needs.
FAQs
- What is the difference between AR and VR?
To understand it in the simplest words, we can say that AR enhances our existing real world, whereas, VR takes us to a whole new virtual world.
Source: Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
- How can AR improve the learning experience?
AR can no doubt improve our learning experience in many ways such as stimulating multiple senses, providing a personalized learning experience, promoting collaboration and communication among students, and much more.
Source: Augmented Reality (AR) in Education
- What is the future of VR in education?
The future of VR in education is quite promising. It has benefits such as personalized learning, enhanced understanding, and many practical applications that can empower students to explore and understand in new ways.
Source: The Future of VR in Education
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of AR/VR?
Both AR and VR have numerous benefits to offer which we have talked about quite a lot of times. But on the contrary, they also have their share of disadvantages like their cost, technical complexities, health considerations, etc.
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