Re-Imagine The Classroom With AR & VR!
At disruptED, we are about lifting all types of learners to their fullest potential and preparing them for a new digital frontier of learning and working in the 21st century. Welcoming AR/VR into homes and classrooms has been met with both excitement and skepticism.
One of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the classroom is the cost. Buying expensive headsets is not feasible for the majority of school districts, and after-school programs are not affordable to large segments of the population.
We started disruptED with the goal of making this technology as accessible as possible, and this is why we developed a mobile platform and we ship cardboard VR headsets with our Starter Kits, Teacher Packs, and Class Packs. The cost and portability of the mobile devices and cardboard headsets make it a much more practical option for parents and teachers to use with their kids.
Getting this technology in the hands of more kids is only half the battle. Teachers and parents still need to be educated on all the ways AR & VR can improve learning in a classroom setting - now and in the future.
The Power Of Anonymity: Bullying is prevalent in our school systems, and social media simply exacerbates the problem. In the sci-fi movie, “Ready Player One,” students adopt avatars in a VR world to conceal their identities while taking classes. Any physical disabilities and abnormalities are hidden, and kids are judged less on superficial characteristics.
Perhaps we are many years from this happening in real life, but this illustrates how VR can level the playing field, reduce peer pressure, and minimize distractions for students.Improved Focus In Adaptive Learners: Adaptive learners retain information best via personalized and unconventional methods - often using technology. Losing focus is a big issue for adaptive learners when they’re unable to digest lesson plans. Immersive learning with AR and VR, on the other hand, offers different ways for kids to learn new concepts, which helps keep their attention longer.
Abstract Lessons Are Less Impactful: It takes a powerful imagination to read a history book and put yourself in the shoes of the people and subjects that you’re learning about. It’s a whole different experience for kids in social studies to use AR and VR and realize they’re in the middle of a debate on the senate floor. Or consider the impact of children reading about famine and then walking through a developing country to witness drought conditions.
These are just three examples of ways immersive learning technology can enhance and improve our kids’ educational experience.
If you’re interested in introducing disruptED in your school or classroom, click here or email us at hello@disruptEDx.com.