Blackboard Ultra: What's New? Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). XR technology aims to combine the physical world with a digital twin world that users can interact with, creating an immersive experience.Extended reality integrates real and virtual environments, creating immersive digital experiences. In retail, XR allows customers to try on clothes, view 3D product models, and explore interactive in-store displays virtually. These technologies are transforming traditional brick-and-mortar and e-commerce models. Extended Reality Basics Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies have great potential to enhance teaching, learning, and research experiences in Higher Education. Recent studies show that the integration of these technologies in education can help to increase student engagement, facilitate deeper and conceptual understanding, offer opportunities for experiential learning, and bridge the gap between students and learning resources. Mixed reality is a blend of physical and digital worlds, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environmental interactions. In MR experiences the user can interact with both digital and physical elements. MR differs from AR—where digital and physical elements don't interact— and VR—where the physical or real world is completely blocked out. What is Extended Reality? AR vs. VR vs. MR Features Feature/AspectAugmented Reality (AR)Virtual Reality (VR)Mixed Reality (MR)DefinitionSuperimposes digital content onto the real worldCreates a completely immersive digital environmentCombines elements of both AR and VR, interacting in real timeUser ExperienceEnhances the real world with digital overlaysReplaces the real world with a simulated oneIntegrates real and virtual environments for interactive experiencesEquipment NeededSmartphone, tablet, AR glassesVR headset, controllersAdvanced headsets (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens), sensors, controllersInteraction LevelLimited to viewing and basic interaction with overlaysFull interaction within the virtual environmentDynamic interaction with both real and virtual elementsExamplesPokémon GO, IKEA PlaceOculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VRMicrosoft HoloLens, Magic LeapApplication in EducationInteractive textbooks, museum tours, enhanced lecturesVirtual field trips, lab simulations, immersive storytellingMixed reality labs, collaborative projects, interactive simulationsAdvantagesEasy integration, cost-effective, enhances real-world contextImmersive experiences, controlled environmentsRich interactive experiences, combines best of AR and VRDisadvantagesLimited immersion, potential for distractionExpensive, requires dedicated spaceHigh cost, complex setup, requires advanced technologyEducational Implications AspectAugmented Reality (AR)Virtual Reality (VR)Mixed Reality (MR)EngagementIncreases student engagement through interactive digital overlaysImmersive environments captivate and hold student attentionHigh engagement through interaction with both real and virtual elementsConceptual UnderstandingHelps visualize abstract concepts by overlaying informationEnables exploration of complex systems in a controlled spaceFacilitates deep understanding by blending real and virtual elementsExperiential LearningOffers real-world context with additional informationProvides hands-on experiences in a virtual settingCombines real-world practice with virtual simulationsAccessibilityEasily accessible via smartphones and tabletsRequires specific equipment, limiting accessibilityRequires advanced and often expensive equipmentCollaborationEnhances collaborative learning with shared AR experiencesVR can be isolating, but multi-user VR setups allow for interactionPromotes collaboration through shared MR environmentsCostGenerally low cost and easy to implementHigh initial cost for VR headsets and setupVery high cost for advanced MR technology and setupLearning ResourcesEnhances traditional resources with interactive overlaysProvides entirely new resources and environmentsIntegrates physical resources with digital enhancementsPractical ApplicationsUseful for interactive textbooks, museum guides, and field tripsIdeal for simulations, virtual field trips, and immersive storytellingPerfect for mixed reality labs, collaborative projects, and interactive simulationsSkill DevelopmentEnhances spatial awareness and critical thinkingDevelops problem-solving and technical skillsCombines physical skills with digital literacyPotential ChallengesRisk of distraction, limited immersionHigh cost, potential for motion sicknessComplex setup, high cost, and technology barriers Benefits of XR Adoption in Higher Education Enhanced Engagement: The hands-on and multisensory nature of these technologies helps to stimulate interest and motivation, leading to improved learning outcomes. Experiential Learning: Students can actively explore and interact with virtual objects, places, and phenomena, facilitating a deeper understanding of concepts and promoting practical skill development. Visualization of Abstract Concepts: Students can grasp difficult concepts more easily and develop a concrete understanding by transforming abstract ideas into interactive 3D representations. Active Learning & Problem-Solving: It allows students to analyze, synthesize, and make decisions within virtual environments, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills. This active engagement with content leads to higher levels of comprehension and application of knowledge. Personalized and Adaptive Learning: AR and VR technologies can be tailored to meet the individual needs of learners. Adaptive learning platforms can leverage these technologies to provide personalized content, adaptive feedback, and adaptive assessments, allowing students to learn at their own pace and receive targeted support. Safe and Controlled Environments: AR and VR offer a safe and controlled environment for students to practice skills and experiment without real-world consequences. This is particularly valuable in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and hazardous industries, where students can learn and make mistakes without risk. Access to Remote Learning Resources: Virtual field trips, museum visits, and cultural experiences can be made available to students regardless of their location, broadening their educational horizons and providing equal opportunities. Real-World Applications and Career Readiness: AR and VR provide students with exposure to real-world applications and scenarios relevant to their fields of study. By incorporating these technologies, educational institutions can better prepare students for future careers by equipping them with practical skills and experiences highly valued by employers. Multicultural and Inclusive Learning: They can expose students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and historical events, fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and global citizenship. Data Collection and Analysis: AR and VR technologies offer the capability to collect data on student interactions, behaviors, and performance within virtual environments. This data can provide valuable insights for educators to assess student progress, identify learning gaps, and personalize instruction. Soft Skills Development: AR and VR can be employed to develop soft skills such as public speaking, leadership, and teamwork. Simulated scenarios and virtual environments can provide students with opportunities to practice and refine these skills. Language Learning and Cultural Immersion: AR and VR can facilitate language learning by creating immersive environments where students can practice conversations with virtual characters or experience cultural contexts. This enhances language acquisition and cultural understanding. Extended Reality in Teaching Coming soon Extended Reality Guideline Coming soon Extended Reality Webinars and Workshops Extended Reality Training Opportunities CTT team can assist you on adopting these feature on your teaching area. Please use one of the followig options to get connected. Webinars Workshops Consultations Walk-in Extended Reality Resources The Recordings of Webinars on Extended Reality Introduction to Virtual Reality Introduction to Agumented RealityComing soon Introduction to Mixed RealityComing soon The Recordings of Workshops on Extended Reality TopicComing soon TopicComing soon TopicComing soon Extended Reality Tools for Faculty Content Creation topic ...
