From the editor's desk: Understand the meaning of Google Pixel Tablet

• The methods of education have not kept pace with technological advances, but the need for change is becoming more apparent.
• Virtual reality (VR) is becoming more easily adopted as experiential learning outcomes are realized.
• VR is advancing K-12, higher education and vocational training rather than traditional education.

Education is the foundation of a strong economy. It increases human capital, increases productivity and increases economic production.

For individuals, education develops new skills, develops critical thinking and analytical know-how, contributes to financial welfare, develops a sense of purpose, and paves the way for shaping one’s career. Therefore, the impact on individuals, society, government, and the world cannot be denied. However, methods of educating people have not always kept pace with technological development. That said, change is imminent and will be faster in the next decade.

In fact, progress is already visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the government was forced to close the doors of schools and universities around the world for weeks at a time. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has supported the global education sector with digital tools, programs and resources to ensure learning continuity. Other countries around the world have rolled out online education tools, including Alef Education in the United Arab Emirates, Vschool in KSA, and MOE E-Learning in Egypt.

While these solutions were very important, they focused primarily on the transfer of knowledge rather than the practical and direct experience that students needed to understand the concept. After all, some learn through theory, while others learn through practice. Therefore, it is necessary to work on experiential learning for the evolution of educational technology in the future. Combined with innovative teaching methods, augmented reality, virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality are arranged to meet this need and provide a competitive advantage to all involved stakeholders.

Technological advances have permeated most sectors and transformed them in management or service delivery. However, change requires further technological advances to disrupt education. The penetration of these advances into the education system is becoming increasingly essential.

Disruptive technology

The turmoil seen in today’s digital world has helped improve accessibility, quality, and affordability for global education. Undoubtedly, these interventions are sufficient to drive change. In addition, environmental pressures and COP26 goals (from the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference) promote the digitization of feasible and affordable educational streams, both inside and outside the classroom, as important learning tools for textbooks, notebooks, etc. Reduce reliance on pencils.

We need to nurture a younger generation to adapt to the evolving landscape and help surpass our success. Schools and universities are increasingly focusing on self-development, but some technologies can accelerate the process. VR is a prime example, arguably a game changer for the next generation of students, graduates and vocational learners, enabling experiential learning.

This allows students to immerse themselves in an interactive experience that allows them to directly visualize the results of their actions. Coupled with the Metaverse, students and teachers can immerse themselves in communication and sharing while overcoming space and time limitations. Finally, you can integrate previously acquired knowledge and apply skills acquired through traditional e-learning.

The diagram above helps visualize the value that VR integration brings to education, as Steve Bambury presented. The value of VR is driven by enabling visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile interactions. Students can see, hear, act, and touch. Incorporating these sensations is a source of technology appeal to educators.

Image: Steve Banbury

Studies have shown that VR has a positive impact on student learning outcomes, but it can also improve student-teacher interactions through practical hybrid implementations, both inside and outside the classroom. .. Using VR as a classroom tool, teachers can motivate students and create a more collaborative and interactive learning environment. You can integrate VR into traditional education to create unique experiences tailored to each student’s abilities, style, pace, and willingness to learn, and prepare students to move forward through robust assessments.

Maximize the impact of VR

VR supports stronger visualizations, improves educational interactions, enhances collaboration, enhances student practical understanding, and provides globally. R & D, like any new technology, needs to be consistent with releasing maximum output and taking full advantage of it.

It should be noted that VR, if not properly monitored and implemented in a guided program, can limit human interaction to some extent and cause isolation in the younger generation. Still, with the right research, development, and safeguards, the benefits of VR outweigh the risks. VR is a technology that can transform the skill set of graduates that is immediately recognized through practical applications. Learning through play, first-hand experience, and applied knowledge creates a more attractive environment for students and provides a much stronger skill set.

Whether in VR or other experiential learning tools, educational technology is a turning point for leaders, educators, regulators and other stakeholders to take a proactive approach to investing in future generations and riding the wave of change. It’s at the point. Even in emerging economies such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, these plans are beginning to permeate national transformation plans. The United Arab Emirates is simulating the future through the recently opened Museum of the Future in Dubai. This is an architectural wonder.

The museum will showcase a spectacular exhibition of “Tomorrow Today” through augmented reality and virtual reality, visually demonstrating how technology will change our future and how “Future Heroes” will learn through play and develop new skill sets. It is shown in.

As governments around the world are more witty and compete to invest in social infrastructure, technologies such as VR are changing the status quo, advancing education from K-12, higher education and even vocational training. I am letting you. They are motivated to improve outcomes and develop a more robust, qualified and experienced workforce. These are the forces of change and we believe it is time to act.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author only, not the World Economic Forum.

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