Keeping your lesson plan fresh can be difficult when it seems like new technologies are being created every day. But deciding to implement those new technologies can transform your classroom like never before! For example, immersive learning technologies can be used to transport students into ancient ruins or allow them to learn about the inner workings of our world all at the touch of a button! Keep reading to discover some fun ways to integrate immersive learning technology into your classroom this school year.
Differentiating Between Immersive Learning Technologies
Before diving into some ways to utilize immersive technologies in the classroom, it’s important that we distinguish between some key terms.
Extended Reality
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes all types of immersive technologies, including any immersive learning technologies used in schools. These technologies blend the physical and digital worlds at varying degrees to create hands-on, in-depth learning experiences.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) takes our physical world and adds a digital overlay, typically allowing for more hands-on interaction with certain elements. AR is typically more physical than digital and is usually more accessible since it utilizes your immediate environment.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) brings a more immersive digital landscape to the user by fabricating, either mostly or entirely, a new environment to explore. VR is more digital than physical and may require specialized equipment or software to experience fully.
Incorporating Immersive Learning Technology into Your Lesson Plan
Here are some AI-powered ideas for how to incorporate immersive learning technologies like XR, AR, and VR into your classroom, courtesy of Perplexity.ai. After you check out our list, we encourage you to also utilize your favorite AI software to research even more epic ways to bring immersive tech into your lesson plans!
Virtual Field Trips
Explore historical sites, museums, and more through virtual tours and field trips. This is an easy way to visit recreations of ancient ruins in social studies, hard-to-reach ecosystems in science, or a variety of museums covering all subjects. It’s a low-cost and safe way for students to explore the world without boundaries. Check out Google Arts & Culture to explore history and art museums, but be aware that not all subject matter will be age-appropriate.
Interactive 3D Models
Visualize complex concepts in STEM classes with interactive 3D models. High school students can explore the anatomy of humans and other animals, middle school students can explore basic cellular structures, and elementary school students can learn about 3D shapes with a unique, hands-on learning experience. Take a look at Sketchfab and Merge Cube to discover an array of interactive models.
Immersive Language Learning
Experience simulated cultural environments and have conversations with AIs or native speakers with immersive language learning software. This cultural immersion makes international learning safe and accessible for all students. ImmerseMe offers desktop and VR headset learning opportunities in a variety of languages, specially designed for the classroom.
Hands-on Skills Training
Engage students with hands-on skills training like virtual science labs, digital vocational training, and simulated technical lessons. These trainings not only get students more active in their own learning process, but they also save on costs and allow students to work at their own pace. Zspace focuses mainly on STEM lessons and provides interactive 3D models and simulations for students to dive into immersive learning.
Augmented Textbooks and Learning Materials
Deepen students’ understanding with digital textbooks. Many augmented textbooks have interactive features like digital overlays that help students explore the subject material more in-depth. For K-8 students, check out the free e–textbooks at Core Knowledge. For students in high school and beyond, check out the free, open-licensed textbooks at OpenStax
Gamified Learning Experiences
Boost motivation and engagement with immersive, gamified learning. There are countless educational games with immersive elements available on the web. Take a look at Breakout EDU, which turns classroom lessons into virtual escape rooms where students must work together and employ learning strategies to make it out in time.
How do you use immersive learning technologies in the classroom?
Let us know in the comments below!
2 comments
Hi! Purposeful technology is a must! I love the resources shared in this article! I am a former Texas teacher, and I always found it difficult to find tech resources that were developmentally appropriate for early learners and not just stare and peck. While teaching kindergarten, I learned about Alive Studios Zoo, and was blown away by the purposeful use of technology that actually created opportunities for teacher-student interactions as well as collaboration with peers. The software, called Learning alive positively changed the dynamic of my classroom in a matter of seconds! It immediately captured the attention of my students, and their off task behaviors diminished while engaged with the 3DAR resources. I’m now a consultant for the company and I hear success stories from teachers throughout the United States about how our 3DAR supplemental curriculum engages early learners while teaching foundational literacy and math skills. I wholeheartedly believe this is the best technology resource for pre-k and kindergarten that was ever created! Be sure to check it out!
How fun! Our team loves hearing success stories like this about integrating fun and exciting tech! Thanks for the tip, we will be sure to check it out!