Immersive Technology in Learning
I have experienced Augmented Reality (AR) at theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disney World. Once, I did this in a Haunted House at Universal Studios on their horror nights. It did make me feel unbalanced, but it was fun. I would love to do the Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience. Here is a link if you do not know what I am talking about: https://vangoghexpo.com/
The question at hand is whether this is a great tool for developing a learning experience. Cost aside.
The benefits of this technology depend on the business need, just like all learning. In deeper thought, Everything comes down to the intended learning outcomes, learning context, and cultural issues in learning (Roman & Racek, 2019). I reached the idea of what this could look like for CPR training. Workplaces, hospitals, and the community at large can all benefit. CPR training is typically a few hours of training in a classroom setting, ending with an official certification. However, does that prepare the learners for fundamental interactions?
Creating a world where the learners experience a crisis in different settings could help provide confidence. By allowing autonomous exploration and learning through doing, immersive technology can promote active learning and decision-making among students (Kim et al., 2020). Engagement is a big part of learning, and supporting VR/AR training could provide remarkable outcomes. On top of providing learning interactions with cohorts within the simulations, this life-saving method could produce positive impacts (Mulders et al., 2020). Overall, if cost allows, this technology can change learning by bringing real-life scenarios to your couch or office.
Link to my video on this idea of using immersive technology for CPR training here
As instructional designers, we should also have a checklist. This checklist has been used on projects posted on my website. Adding immersive technology is required for the nature of this advanced technology; in general, factors of display are still important, and OER is still important, but aligning with design frameworks in immersive technology is crucial, such as the mental and physical aspects of the programming.
Click here to view my project checklist
References
Kim, K. G., Oertel, C., Dobricki, M., Olsen, J. K., Coppi, A. E., Cattaneo, A., & Dillenbourg, P. (2020). Using immersive virtual reality to support designing skills in vocational education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(6), 2199–2213. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13026
Mulders, M., Buchner, J., & Kerres, M. (2020). A framework for the use of immersive virtual reality in learning environments. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(24), 208–231. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i24.16615
Roman, T. A., & Racek, J. (2019). Virtual reality as a pedagogical tool to design for social impact: A design case. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 63(1), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-018-0360-z