Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality within the Classroom
Virtual and augmented reality within the classroom has proved to be effective for history and chemistry lessons. However, a brand new use for these tools is now emerging: teaching computer science. Currently, considered one of the few setbacks to integrating virtual reality is a lack of available content. While this may increasingly look like a negative, it opens a brand new door for teachers to encourage students to explore the world of coding and create their very own virtual reality worlds.
The Importance of Coding Skills
Coding skills are in high demand and can soon turn out to be a needed skill for nearly all industries. Since 1990, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math have grown by 79 percent, and are expected to grow a further 13 percent by 2027, based on a 2018 Pew Research Center survey. This means it is crucial for educators to seek out a option to engage students early to construct their coding knowledge, and virtual and augmented reality platforms stands out as the answer.
Mixed Reality Platforms Improve Coding Concept Retention
Preliminary scientific evidence has found that using augmented reality platforms can give students a bonus in relation to learning code. A study conducted at Georgia Tech found that students who used mobile augmented reality platforms to learn coding performed higher on assessments than their counterparts. “We also melded the missions of coding in education with AR for this exploratory study to see if we could get favorable leads to timing tests and user experiences,” said Nathan Dass, a researcher and software engineer at Google AI. “We ultimately found favorable leads to timing tests and user experiences overall when learning code and using AR.”
How Mixed Reality Platforms Work
A outstanding theory behind why virtual and augmented reality platforms are so effective is that providing interactive, visual examples of coding principles helps students retain what they’ve learned. “What VR can allow is the creation of a simulated environment to permit people to explore computer science concepts in the identical way they interact with the actual world,” wrote Pablo Farias Navarro, founding father of Zenva, a virtual reality educational platform. “By making these concepts visual, tangible and responsive, we’ll make it easier for learners to develop skills in the identical way they do once they learn a brand new sport or the right way to play an instrument.”
Virtual and Augmented Reality Platforms Can Make Coding Fun
Innovations in virtual and augmented reality within the classroom are taking the concept of gamification to a complete latest level. While previously, developers created virtual education applications to interact students within the classroom, latest augmented reality platforms put the ability of the developer directly in students’ hands. “The fantastic thing about AR and VR is with the ability to open up possibilities in your students, including creating their very own virtual worlds,” wrote Jaime Donally, an AR and VR educational consultant. “I even have seen engagement skyrocket when students are given a chance to explore AR applications like 3DBear, where they will be the masters of their very own digital universe.”
Examples of Virtual and Augmented Reality Platforms
Right now, there are plenty of applications teachers can use along side classroom virtual reality headsets or augmented reality platforms to assist students construct their basic understanding of computer science. When Michael Drezek, a technology integrator at Lake Shore Central School District in New York, initially helped teachers bring virtual reality programs into the classroom, he found they may not sustain with the speed at which students were consuming content. In response, Drezek introduced CoSpaces Edu, a virtual and augmented reality platform that permits students to construct their very own projects using coding languages like JavaScript.
Technology Companies Invest in AR and VR Education Apps
Technology leaders are noticing this window of opportunity too. Intel recently developed a mobile computer science learning center that includes virtual reality to get students enthusiastic about computer science. Intel’s Tech Learning Lab travels across the country to different schools, giving students a probability to explore their creativity through virtual and augmented reality platforms, similar to programming, creating and testing virtual robots. Technology firms see the advantages of mixing immersive VR educational applications with computer science lessons, making a fun and interesting pathway for college students to learn vital skills they are going to need once they join the workforce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, virtual and augmented reality platforms are revolutionizing the best way students learn computer science. By providing interactive, visual examples of coding principles, these platforms may help students retain what they’ve learned and make coding fun. With the support of technology firms, educators can now provide students with the tools they should develop essential coding skills. As the demand for coding skills continues to grow, it is crucial for educators to include virtual and augmented reality platforms into their curriculum to arrange students for the longer term. By doing so, we will be sure that students are equipped with the abilities they need to achieve an increasingly technology-driven world.
