The 360-degree Angle of Immersive Learning in Education

Define, design, develop and implement immersive learning

“ For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them ”

- Aristotle

Immersive Learning Defined

Immersive learning is "a highly experiential method that uses technology to improve learning experiences and promote active participation". (McIntosh, 2022) The experimental theory is the foundational theory for immersive learning, which emphasizes that "experiences, including cognition, environmental factors, and emotions, influence the learning process" (Cherry, 2022). Learners are exposed to and keen on using technology in our current society.

Creating Immersive Learning Environments

Creating immersive learning environments allows learners to retain content more readily with real-world applications and visuals, and are motivated to participate in activities involving technological devices. Designing effective lesson plans incorporating necessary steps to guide learners to achieve desired results with authentic knowledge transfer opportunities is essential. Immersive learning involves simulations of images, scenarios, and real-world applications to strengthen content retention, promote a growth mindset, encourage the development of problem-solving skills, and influence reflections through active inquiry.

Immersive Learning informative Video

Take a look at this immersive learning video. The video highlights the importance of immersive learning programs in classrooms and technological devices to consider for effective integration. In the video, the presenter mentioned three main immersive integration tools and provided examples with a sample target audience and learning objectives to be met.

Examples of Immersive Learning Tools

Within educational institutions' immersive learning tools can be incorporated in the form of:

1. Virtual reality (VR): Virtual reality programs are digital simulations of the real world. Using VR headsets such as (Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR). In VR programs, learners are immersed in pre-designed virtual learning environments for independent exploration with minimum guidance for a more knowledgeable other.

2. Augmented reality (AR): Augmented reality is another valuable strategy to incorporate learning immersion activities with virtual objects in natural environments (for example IKEA AR, and Social Media filters), later changing these into digital interfaces.

3. Mixed reality (MR): This combines both virtual and augmented reality, placing virtual objects in real-world backgrounds and creating the illusion that virtual interactions are fundamental. With mixed reality programs, users can simultaneously navigate real and virtual environments.

4. Gamification: Gamification is a known favorite and involves applying game-based elements and designs to learning methods.

5. 3D immersive learning (3D): 3D immersive learning is “a technique that promotes in-depth learning and makes use of 3D visualizations and simulations in order to provide an immersive experience to users” (Kumar, 2020).

Checklist

Ensuring quality education demands effective planning, therefore it is important to conduct learner analysis to assess the learner's existing knowledge and to design a well-balanced checklist to guide the design process. Essentially, instructors must note that immersive learning programs are used as supplementary tools and must be designed with the interest of learners at the core. Here is a sample checklist for creating authentic learning experiences with VR, AR and MR technology.

Essential Technology

Technology is an essential tool in the development of effective online immersion learning. Learners will interact with lesson content using google arts & culture, Nearpod, Articulate 360, and other VR, AR, and MR tools. Additionally, virtual reality headsets provide viewing access to iPads and smart screens. Immersion activities designed for online interaction should have Wi-Fi routers available for connections and access to e-learning resources. Adapting an immersive learning checklist for virtual reality incorporation help to ensure educational content is learner-centric and follows appropriate guidelines to ensure authentic knowledge transfer. It is also vital to safeguard learners and ensure that tools and content are appropriate for the engagement. Virtual reality programs as supplementary resources enhance learning environments and create emotional connections, since immersive learning environments "are highly engaging and realistic" (Kumar, 2020). However, consider which immersive learning tool is most suitable for your target audience and how well it aligns with learning outcomes. It would also be advantageous to examine the pros and cons associated with implementing VR, AR and MR programs within educational learning environments.

What are your thoughts on immersive learning? Feel free to share your views with us!

Be sure to check out these links, highlighting some advantages and disadvantages associated with integrating immersive learning tools in educational environments.

1. https://elearningindustry.com/the-truth-about-immersive-learning-and-its-sharp-benefits

2. https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/full-language-immersion-programs-in-public-schools

3. https://elearningindustry.com/pros-cons-using-virtual-reality-in-the-classroom

References

Cherry, K. (2022, November 16). The experiential learning theory of David Kolb [web log]. https://www.verywellmind.com/experiential-learning-2795154.

McIntosh, A. (2022, April 6). How can immersive learning be used in hybrid classrooms? [web log]. https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2022/04/how-can-immersive-learning-be-used-hybrid-classrooms-perfcon.

Kumar, J. (2020, January 24). Everything you need to know about immersive learning [web log]. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/everything-need-know-about-immersive-learning.