A Multimodal AR/VR Approach for Interactive, Immersive Learning
To what extent can augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology impact students? Combining traditional teaching methods with cutting-edge AR/VR-based learning solutions makes learning uniquely immersive for students, now more digitally aware and tech savvy than ever before. AR/VR technology allows for multisensory (or multimodal) learning, and brings together visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile elements for a fully immersive experience.
Michael Torrance, currently President of Motlow State Community College, had used AR/VR in the past as part of his multimodal approach to embed students in their learning. Torrance started with 40 virtual reality headsets with haptic handsets and let students immerse themselves in virtual content based on real world events, such as a refugee crisis, political rally, or global village approach to singing a U2 song! Education through various platforms, such as zSpace AR/VR, is possible with multimodal learning – educators can blend platforms and different approaches to create an interactive, immersive learning environment best suited to their specific programs.
“Students’ experiences varied from being moved to tears to simply enjoying a multimodal, inclusive and diverse message. They spoke of feeling connected. Saw themselves in others for moments in time,” Torrance remarked on his AR/VR implementation. Success of his multimodal approach was measured based on course completion – 85% of students successfully completed his course! Torrance added that students are more likely to complete a course when they feel connected with each other and content in an interactive and immersive environment.
After completing his course, Torrance’s students pitched their own business ideas for AR/VR technology to solve local, regional, national, and even global issues, to a group of investors. Two of these ideas materialized into businesses, meaning AR/VR had empowered students to view the world in a different way than they had before, and in doing so, identify real world needs.
“Every journey begins right now” is one of Torrance’s mantras. Start your AR/VR journey by viewing his insightful webinar on multimodal learning using augmented and virtual reality.
