Augmented and Virtual Reality, Light or Dark?

There has been a lot of hype and excitement about the potential benefits of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in education (hands up, I’m guilty), but the overall engagement has been extremely slow and inconsistent.

This is in contrast to Industry which has been quick to recognise the potential opportunities offered and is rushing to embrace these technologies.

The World University Rankings website blog highlights some of the implications of this uneven situation.

Read more here: Universities should immerse themselves in virtual reality

Still not convinced? Have a look at this article from VR Focus on using VR in the classroom, the Virtual Avebury experience developed by BU’s own Prof Liz Falconer gets a mention alongside Pixar co-founder Loren Carpenter.

Read more here: Immersive VR Education Showcases The Power Of Learning Through Virtual Reality

So far, so good, AR and VR are obviously the answer to nearly all our educational problems, however, as with most technologies, it would be foolish to not consider the potential issues that may be identified and AR and VR do most certainly have a darker side (well it is May the 4th).

Read more here: 9 ethical problems with VR we still have to solve

So AR and VR can be both light and dark, but I would suggest that with proper management the benefits of the good will far out weigh the effects of the bad.

What do you think? Add your comments below.

If you want to know more about AR and/or VR contact a Learning Technologist.

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