Rapid technological progress is possible now because of the groundwork laid over the past few decades. The advent of the Internet, personal computers, and mobile phones has had a profound effect on society. Particularly, technology has had a profound impact on the educational landscape.
The days of using only pen and paper for note taking and visiting actual libraries to do research are long gone. Modern students have access to a plethora of online learning resources that make the study process less tedious, more productive, and generally more enjoyable. Mixed reality is the cutting edge of technology, so naturally, people are curious in its potential impact on the classroom.
Mixed reality, which is essentially a blend of VR and AR, is expected to play a significant part in the education of tomorrow’s children.
What is Mixed Reality?
The term “mixed reality” (MR) refers to a relatively new technology that includes elements of both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The Microsoft HoloLens and other augmented reality glasses are broadening the scope of what video games can achieve. As the user moves around, cameras incorporated into these heads-up displays constantly map their surroundings.
Characters in games optimized for these platforms can freely traverse the real environment and even join the player on the sofa. However, mixed reality isn’t limited to video games. Artists, designers, and advertisers may bring their 3D works even closer to life using mixed reality, boosting the possibilities for storytelling and audience interaction.
In the following, we’ll examine how MR is influencing classroom practice.
How does Mixed Reality help in Education?
Using mixed reality, teachers can engage their students in meaningful ways that encourage them to think critically and take initiative in their own education. Higher level thinking skills including the application of knowledge, analysis, and synthesis are supported, and deep learning is encouraged.
By using mixed reality to construct 3D representations of historical landmarks, animals, or other subjects, teachers may provide students a more hands-on, immersive, and memorable learning experience. Students can put their understanding of scientific topics to the test and view their results in real time through the use of simulated experiments using mixed reality, all without the need for expensive equipment.
Examples of the Use of Mixed Reality in Education
1. Virtual Field Trips
Mixed-reality virtual field trips allow students to virtually see historical sites, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks without ever leaving the classroom. Students can broaden their horizons and improve their education by interacting with digital objects, visiting virtual museums, and even exploring the universe.
2. Virtual Laboratories and Simulations
Students in STEM subjects, like science and engineering, can benefit from mixed reality because it can be used to build simulated settings and virtual laboratories. This method helps them grasp scientific concepts and inspires them to venture out without worrying about what they might find.
3. Cultural Immersion and Language Learning
By emulating real-world circumstances and interactions, Mixed Reality allows developers to construct immersive language-learning experiences. Students learn more than just new words and phrases; they also gain a deeper appreciation for other cultures as they converse with digital characters, use their linguistic knowledge in authentic contexts, and travel the world.
4. Interactive 3D Modeling and Design
Mixed Reality can be used for 3D modeling and design projects, allowing students to create digital prototypes and observe how their designs might function in practice. Mixed reality allows students to experiment with 3D modeling and design, bringing their ideas for structures, objects, and artworks to life.
5. Medical and anatomy education
Medical students may benefit from learning anatomy and surgical techniques via mixed reality. Students can practice their surgical skills in a safe setting while engaging in in-depth anatomical dissection and interacting with digital anatomical models. By focusing on the student’s immediate surroundings, this form of medical education improves students’ readiness for emergency situations.
The Benefits of Mixed Reality in Education
- Deep Learning Experience: Students can learn through hands-on experiences not possible in a traditional classroom setting using Mixed Reality. They can better understand complex ideas by exploring them in an interactive, aesthetically appealing environment.
- Increased Student Participation: By combining interactive features with gamification strategy, Mixed Reality keeps students invested in their learning. As a result, students become more invested in the content and motivated to take an active role in their education.
- Personalized Learning Opportunities: Using Mixed Reality, teachers can design lessons that are uniquely suited to each student. Teachers can use adaptive learning to tailor their teachings to the specific needs of their students.
- Real World Applications: Using Mixed Reality, students can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. They can gain experience and training through simulations of engineering plans, historical events, and scientific experiments.
Applications of Mixed Reality in Various Subjects
- Biology and Science: Mixed reality can make abstract topics more relevant in biology and science lectures. To better understand these topics, students can examine human anatomy in 3D, observe microbes up close, or model chemical reactions.
- Study in Past and Present: History and social science teachers can use mixed reality to transport their students to multiple locations and eras. A more immersive and interesting learning experience can be created by allowing students to digitally tour historical sites, participate in re-enactments, or communicate with virtual historical persons.
- Science and Biology: Through the use of Mixed Reality, lectures on biological and scientific topics can be made more accessible to students. Students can gain a deeper understanding of these topics through the use of 3D human anatomy models, microscope images, and chemical reaction simulations.
- Historical and Contemporary Research: Mixed reality allows history and social studies teachers to transport their students to different locations and time periods. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the past by virtually visiting historical sites, acting out historical events, or interacting with virtual historical figures.
- Maths and Physics: Mixed reality allows abstract ideas in math and physics to be brought down to earth. Students may find it helpful to “play” physics experiments, “manipulate” geometric shapes, or “visualize” mathematical operations in their minds to better understand abstract concepts.
