Augmented reality vs. virtual reality in studies

Technology has a significant impact on modern education. Students can surf the Internet to find useful information, get acquainted with the latest researches of outstanding scientists from all over the world, contact the Best UK Dissertation Writing Service and prepare an excellent graduation project with the help of experienced specialists. Also, there are personal computers and multimedia projectors in each reputable university.

Augmented reality vs. virtual reality in studies

The next step in the way of progress is introducing animation in a learning process. It should replace static images used in PowerPoint presentations, open up new cognitive opportunities, make lessons interactive and more demonstrative, give rise to revolutionary changes that will transform an educational system beyond recognition.

Today, there are still many colleges and universities which do not use AR and VR tools. But experts claim that the situation will change drastically in the upcoming years. There are countless companies investing in animation apps for learning.

Augmented reality

Some people do not understand what is the difference between augmented and virtual reality, which one is more beneficial for learning and should be actively developed in the near future. In fact, it is incorrect to compare these two technologies because each of them has certain pros and cons and deserves the attention of universities’ administration.

Let’s start with considering the concept of augmented reality. This technology is designed to supplement the surrounding world with animated images or other digital information, which allows perceiving an environment at a new level. Therefore, AR expands reality, adds some artificial elements to it, helps to start thinking outside the box and look at common things differently.

Compared with VR, AR needs simpler technical means, can be introduced in a class without high costs. It is going to become mainstream and available in any educational institution very soon because all young people already have smartphones and tablets – devices suitable for running AR apps. For example, one can place a smartphone camera under a textbook and see how 2D pictures transform into 3D animations.

Influence of AR on education

Traditional teaching approaches have long become outdated. Students do not want to attend boring lectures where a professor explains something for more than an hour and record one’s words, read textbooks, write essays and term papers. These activities seem useless because they do not show what a person will do at a workplace, and professors sometimes cannot answer the question: how all this paperwork may be useful for career building?

That is why many young people prefer finding the Essay Writing Service and taking advantage of specialists’ help instead of learning on their own. This adverse trend poses challenges in front of an educational system. Professors are forced to seek effective educational technologies to attract students’ attention.

It should be understood that not all people have a lively imagination and can create vivid pictures in their heads when reading books or listening to the lecturer’s explanations. AR helps to visualize learning and replace long text passages with images. Young people do not have to make efforts to understand abstract concepts professors try to convey to them. Even the trickiest topics become easy and clear. All this increases motivation, students’ engagement, desire to attend lectures and seminars, makes an educational process interactive and exciting.

Virtual reality

As for VR, it fully immerses learners in a digital world. One can travel through space and time, explore Ancient Rome or walk on the Moon surface, just like in a computer game. There are no limitations, and each fantasy may be embodied.

Specialists developing VR apps first create an environment and then supplement it with animation. Sensations are much more realistic than when using AR. But, at the same time, educational institutions should invest in purchasing special headsets.

Influence of VR on education

VR can completely change an educational process, turn any lesson into a breathtaking adventure, replace theoretical lectures with practical activities. Students can gain useful skills and enter the labor market is fully prepared for fulfilling labor duties. This will solve one of the most acute modern problems: young people have knowledge but have no experience, which makes search for the first job rather hard.

With a 360-degree view, learners forget that they are still in a classroom. The brain perceives visual information, and it is hard to believe that everything around was created by talented programmers. A user can take certain actions, receive response from a digital environment and other participants on a virtual trip. VR specialists develop very detailed scenes, elaborate each feature so that images recreate a necessary atmosphere very realistically. The physical world cannot distract a student from studying, so one can fully concentrate on a topic.

Such an effect cannot be reached if a person reads a textbook and somebody makes noise in the next room. Therefore, it is possible to study anywhere, anytime with VR. One just has to wear a headset and turn on a special app.

VR is often used to simulate way too expensive or simply impossible experiments, speed up processes that take quite long if observed naturally. For example, in just 10 minutes, students can see how gems form despite the fact that such metamorphoses take thousands of years. It is possible to visit a foreign country, get acquainted with the most remarkable sights without spending time and money on transport.

VR allows using dangerous reagents on chemistry lessons without being afraid of hurting oneself and damaging university property, learning to drive a car or even operate a jet without risking one’s life. Medical students do not have to work with corpses or risk live patients’ health.

Architects can present their projects not only on 2D drawings but also in 3D format. After modeling a building, a person can invite a professor and groupmates to walk around it and come inside.

Educational institutions should get ready for changes

The time has come to replace traditional learning methods with innovative approaches. AR and VR apps development is at full swing, which means there will be a few educational institutions not using these technologies after several years. Benefits of immersive, animated learning for both professors and students are undeniable, and all money spent on educational reforms should pay off.

Augmented reality is going to be introduced in a classroom earlier than virtual reality due to the low cost of equipment. However, adopting VR is also just a matter of time. That is why colleges and universities should track modern trends and get ready for changes. If following innovations, they will receive highly motivated, enthusiastic students who will make professors proud in the future.