Immersive platforms are changing the way in which people interact with the digital world. Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are changing the way in which people perceive the digital world. This combined shift in perception and interaction models leads to the future immersive user experience.
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality technologies are still very new but as the hardware becomes more ubiquitous, more dedicated educational content will be developed for these platforms. Until such time, content with educational potential (particularly 360 degree videos) is currently being created and is regularly posted on free streaming services such as YouTube.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality blends the real with the digital which permits users to see the physical world around them, but the view is augmented or superimposed with various forms of media. This media can be leveraged through wearable devices such as AR glasses or more ubiquitous devices such as smart phones. The result is a new form of technology that is an engaging, interactive, and immersive experience for users.
Mixed Reality
Mixed Reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.
Opportunity Statement
Immersive Experience technologies are still very new but as the hardware becomes more ubiquitous, more dedicated educational content will be developed for these platforms. Until such time, content with educational potential (particularly 360 degree videos) is currently being created and is regularly posted on free streaming services such as YouTube, and AR tools are beginning to flourish. Major investment by large corporations and startups continues to drive innovation.
Essential Resources
There are a number of excellent student-authored resources on VR in the ETEC522. Use search to find them. Additional resources include:
http://www.realitytechnologies.com/education
Discovery VR – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfl1fku1XDoTi9NYPINxwpg
http://www.thevrara.com/webinars/
Gartner Top Ten Technologies 2019
Gartner Top Ten Technologies 2020
Forni, A. (2017, May 5). Transform business outcomes with immersive technology. Gartner. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/transform-business-outcomes-with-immersive-technology/
Goff, E. E., Mulvey, K. L., Irvin, M. J., & Hartstone-Rose, A. (2018). Applications of Augmented Reality in Informal Science Learning Sites: a Review. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 1-15.
Hyde, D., Joo, H., & Surette, R. (2018, November). Augmented Reality in Science & Health: References. Retrieved from https://ubcetec522augmentedreality.weebly.com/references.html
Kamphuis, Carolien et al. “Augmented reality in medical education?” Perspectives on medical education vol. 3,4 (2014): 300-311.
Murti, S. & Varshney, A. (2018, March 20). How Augmented Reality will make surgery safer. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2018/03/how-augmented-reality-will-make-surgery-safer