Unlocking New Educational Dimensions with VR and AR
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is increasingly investing in virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to transform the way we learn and assimilate information. The metaverse world created by Meta opens new, almost unlimited possibilities for education. Through VR and AR headset devices like Meta Quest, education can move into a three-dimensional world where learning becomes more intuitive, engaging, and tailored to the individual needs of users. Meta believes that the future of education lies in the metaverse—a virtual world that simulates real experiences in ways that traditional teaching methods can only attempt to mimic. According to the company, immersive technologies can revolutionize education by offering students the opportunity to experiment and learn through experience without the risks and limitations of the real world (Meta).
Meta suggests that, thanks to VR and AR, students can, for example, conduct complex chemical experiments, explore virtual reconstructions of historical events, or delve into the human body to see how individual organs function. All this in an environment that is not only safe but fully controlled, allowing for rapid adaptation to the educational needs of the student. Meta is already developing a wide range of educational tools designed for teachers and students, including VR resource libraries, training programs for educators, and initiatives supporting professional development of teachers to effectively use new technologies in teaching.
Research on the effectiveness of teaching using immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, indicates significant benefits compared to traditional educational methods. According to a literature review published on the BMC Medical Education platform, education in VR can improve levels of theoretical knowledge while also offering a more interactive and engaged student experience. Studies have noted that students using VR show higher levels of confidence after completing courses, which may indicate a deeper understanding of the material and greater certainty in applying acquired skills (MDPI) (BioMed Central).
Furthermore, studies described in a 2020 Computer Education article indicate that immersive virtual reality can be used in higher education to design effective learning environments. These studies emphasize how important it is to properly design and use VR for educational purposes to fully utilize its potential in teaching and training (MDPI).
The Use of VR in Training Future Welders
In the context of the practical application of VR technologies in education and training, it is worth mentioning the use of VR in training future welders. Dig in Vision has created a virtual welding shop where students can practice their skills and build muscle memory in a safe and controlled environment. As a result, new welders are better prepared for real tasks in their future work, not feeling lost in the first days on the job.
Training in virtual reality allows for rapid assimilation of knowledge and skills without the fear of high costs associated with potential mistakes that may occur during learning. In VR, every mistake is quickly corrected, which allows for the elimination of bad habits at a very early stage of learning. This significantly reduces the stress associated with learning and allows for more effective knowledge acquisition. By reducing the physical risks and costs associated with initial mistakes, VR becomes not only a modern tool but also an extremely effective one in training new generations of technical workers.
Meta's vision is heading towards a future where education will become increasingly immersive, interactive, and tailored to the individual needs of students. The use of VR and AR in teaching opens new possibilities for education, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective. The commitment to developing tools and educational content in virtual reality, as in the case of the company Dig in Vision, is an example of how these technologies can significantly impact the quality and availability of future education. The groundbreaking approach to learning and training through immersive technologies has the potential to permanently change the educational landscape, opening new horizons for teachers and students worldwide.
If you want to see how an immersive virtual welding environment works, schedule a presentation with us! For more updates and insights, follow Dig in Vision on our social media platforms!
