Learning is lifelong, and there are many ways to pursue knowledge. One strategy that has proven effective over time is immersive learning — a technique that fully engages the learner in an educational environment. It allows for deep understanding and application of varying concepts. And it isn't new as educators have recognized its potential in promoting rich learning experiences for years. Like education, immersive learning has evolved with new technologies. A study published in ScienceDirect introduces a VR-based learning model on mobile platforms. This model uses an evolutionary algorithm to personalize learning environments and design student paths. The study demonstrates how combining these learning principles with VR enriches learning engagement, personalization and effectiveness.
What is immersive learning?
Immersive learning is an approach where learners deeply engage in the subject matter through environments that mimic real-life scenarios. Students can interact with the material directly and experientially. Recently, this concept has evolved to include VR, where learners can step into virtual settings that closely resemble actual situations. While different sources define immersive learning in various ways, the core principle remains the same: it provides a practical learning experience by stimulating the senses and promoting active involvement. This approach revolutionizes traditional learning methods and aligns with how our brains are wired to retain information. While students statistically tend to remember only 30% of what they hear and 20% of what they see, when learning happens through hands-on experiences, the retention rates shoot up to an impressive 90%. This shows how immersive learning can transform education, making it more memorable and impactful in the long run.
What is complete immersion?
Complete immersion is a state where a person is fully absorbed in an experience, losing awareness of their surroundings. For instance, in VR, users wear head-mounted displays (HMDs) to immerse themselves in an artificial environment like a 3D simulation or a 360-degree video. Or augmented reality (AR), where digital overlays enhance real-world environments with virtual elements, like animated characters or interactive data. This level of immersion allows for powerful learning experiences that are otherwise impossible.
Traditional options for immersive learning
However, before all the technicalities of VR and AR, the traditional options for immersive learning were available, including:
- Field trips and site visits: Visiting historical sites, museums or a local business.
- Interactive labs or experiments: Conducting hands-on experiments to explore concepts and theories.
- Experiential learning projects: Engaging in real-life projects or internships to apply learned concepts. These methods have and continue to give learners hands-on experiences and real-life examples, encouraging active participation and a deeper grasp of the subject matter.
Modern immersive learning strategies
Unlike traditional approaches, modern immersive learning strategies use technology to take it to the next level. Aside from VR and AR, some of these methods include:
- Mixed reality (MR) learning: MR combines elements of both VR and AR, enabling learners to interact with digital objects in a real-world context.
- AI-powered adaptive learning: This uses AI algorithms to personalize the learning experience according to the individual's needs, pacing and previous knowledge.
- Gamification: Applying game elements like point systems or leaderboards to non-game contexts can increase educational motivation and engagement. You've likely seen or used some of these strategies in apps like Duolingo or e-learning courses.
Supporting technologies for immersive learning
With the concept of immersive learning comes the technology that brings it to life, including:
- VR headsets: Provide a 360-degree view of a virtual environment and can be used in various fields, from medical training to language learning.
- AR apps: Overlay digital information onto the real world, enhancing learning materials with interactiveness.
- 3D printers: Can create physical models for hands-on learning, making abstract concepts more tangible and understandable.
- Interactive whiteboards: Allow for multimedia presentations and collaborative learning.
- Learning management systems (LMS): Offer tools for creating, managing and delivering eLearning content, supporting various immersive learning strategies. With more remote-based learning and virtual classrooms, these technologies are becoming increasingly popular in education.
Benefits of immersive learning
Fortunately, the benefits of immersive learning are not just anecdotal. Some potential benefits include:
- Increased engagement: Learners control their experience, making it more engaging.
- Improved retention: By triggering multiple senses, immersive learning can improve learned material recall and retention.
- Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving: It requires active participation and decision-making, encouraging critical thinking skills.
- Better knowledge transfer: Learners can apply their knowledge in practical situations by simulating real-life scenarios.
- Greater accessibility: Learners can explore places and situations that would be otherwise inaccessible.
- Personalized learning: Immersive learning tech adapts to learners' needs and pace, promoting personalization. With benefits like these, it's no surprise that immersive learning is gaining traction in various industries.
Drawbacks and limitations of immersive learning
While immersive learning technologies have many benefits, they also come with some potential drawbacks and limitations:
- Acquiring and maintaining the hardware and software for immersive learning can be costly.
- Technology allows for interactive experiences but cannot fully replicate personal human interaction.
- Certain immersive learning technologies may not be as flexible or adaptable as traditional learning methods.
- Safety risks may exist based on the immersive experience. Additionally, digital platforms must have strong security measures to protect users' data.
- Low immersion or poor user experience design can interfere with the effectiveness.
- There may be resistance to adopting new technologies.
- Digital access and equity can also be a challenge, as not all learners may have equal access to the necessary technology. Therefore, it's crucial to consider these drawbacks and tackle them when planning and implementing immersive learning.
What subject matter is immersive learning most useful for?
There are many subjects that immersive learning can be helpful in, such as:
- Medical training: VR can simulate surgical procedures, providing a risk-free environment for trainees.
- Engineering and architecture: AR overlays digital models onto the real world, helping students better understand complex structures and designs.
- Language learning: Immersive environments simulate real-life situations, helping students learn languages and understand different cultures.
- Professional training: Companies can use immersive learning to train employees in various skills.
- Remote employee training: For remote employees, immersive learning can provide the necessary training without the need for physical presence.
- Technology and device training: VR and AR can help users get familiar with new tech and devices and increase their proficiency in using them. From learning how to use business devices to understanding complex architectural designs, immersive learning revolutionizes how we absorb information and build skills.
How immersive learning affects education systems
Immersive learning can greatly impact education systems and outcomes. Here are a few ways it can make a difference:
- VR and AR tools enable students to explore inaccessible locations and scenarios, breaking barriers in education.
- Immersive technologies promote collaborative learning.
- Immersive learning tools enhance curricula with diverse subjects and experiences.
- VR and AR can come in handy for teacher training, allowing educators to get a taste of and adjust to different classroom scenarios in a virtual setting.
- Immersive learning tools can provide learning experiences for those with disabilities or who are unable to physically participate or are in remote locations. As these technologies become more accessible, their influence on education will open doors for more inventive and impactful learning.
How immersive learning affects educators
Immersive learning strategies also impact educators' curriculum and classroom activities, bringing both challenges and benefits. For example:
- Curriculum design: Educators need to integrate immersive learning tools like VR and AR into their lesson plans, which requires rethinking traditional methods.
- Classroom management: Incorporating immersive learning may require different classroom setups and procedures to facilitate using these tools.
- Training and skill development: Teachers need proper training and support to integrate these technologies into their teaching methods.
- Access to resources: Educators need reliable devices and high-speed internet connections for immersive learning activities, which may not be available in all schools or regions. This can pose a significant challenge. Additionally, there is a learning curve for educators to use and integrate these technologies effectively.
Alternatives to immersive education opportunities
Immersive learning strategies have unique benefits, but other educational approaches provide experiential learning opportunities.
- Microlearning: This approach breaks down information into bite-sized chunks that learners can consume at their own pace. Like immersive learning, it can use digital tools and interactive elements to engage learners. However, it may not offer the same level of immersion or hands-on experience.
- Gamified learning: This involves using game-like elements to motivate learners. While engaging and interactive, it may not provide the same realism or practical skill development as immersive learning.
- Blended learning: This combines in-person teaching with online learning. It provides flexibility and personalized learning, but immersion varies based on the specific blend of methods used. Educators may incorporate multiple strategies into their teaching, depending on the learning objectives and available resources.
Further supporting learning strategies
To better back the education goals aimed at immersive learning strategies, there are a range of other learning strategies and options to explore:
- Inquiry-based learning: This promotes questioning and seeking answers, fostering critical thinking and curiosity. With immersive learning, students can experience and explore the answers more engagingly.
- Self-directed learning: This enables learners to control their learning, promoting autonomy and lifelong learning habits. With immersive learning, students can explore areas of interest and engage in self-directed projects using these technologies.
- Flipped classroom: Learners review content at home and engage in interactive activities and discussions in class, freeing up time for immersive experiences For instance, incorporating AR and VR simulations into a science class allows students to experience and interact with complex concepts that would otherwise be difficult to grasp.
The future of immersive learning
As technology advances, immersive learning becomes more realistic and engaging. Prepare for cooler VR and AR experiences with improved graphics and interactive elements. Haptic technology may even add a touchy-feely dimension for a truly immersive experience. Moreover, as society becomes more digitized, there will likely be a growing demand for immersive learning experiences. This could lead to the wider adoption of immersive learning in schools, universities and workplaces. Culturally, we might see a shift towards a more learner-centered approach, with a greater focus on hands-on learning and practical skill development. Immersive learning, with its emphasis on active participation and real-world contexts, fits perfectly into this new way of thinking.
