Mixed reality has grown increasingly popular and is spreading across the globe to be used in different settings. One of these settings is schools – and the results are fascinating. Here, we will look at how Dubai schools are using mixed reality in schools, look at what mixed reality is, and how it can be used within learning environments.
At the School of Modern Skills, we aim to arm our students with the incredible knowledge that will make them succeed in all walks of life. We have state-of-the-art academic facilities and classes on everything from social studies and art to coding and robotics – something that could be the future of education. We blend technology into everything we do, because with an ever-changing and evolving world, we want to prepare our children for the future.
Understanding Mixed Reality
Mixed reality is essentially the combination of physical and digital. Users like teachers and children are able to immerse themselves in 3D spaces through digital technology, computers, and humans – all thanks to graphical processing, display technologies, cloud computing, input systems, and computer vision.
This allows us to blend our “real” environments with digital realities and experiences in an immersive experience, allowing us to make teaching and learning more engaging, where you can interact and participate with your newfound environment.
The Key Features
To understand mixed reality, you need to understand the key features. These are as follows:
- It creates immersive experiences where real and virtual elements seamlessly co-exist
- Information and feedback is given in real-time
- You are able to interact with virtual objects via the use of gestures, handheld devices, or even your voice
- It enhances our perception by overlaying the real world with digital information
There are all kinds of mixed reality that you might find in schools and workplaces across the world, and these largely depend on the technology available. Different technologies have different capabilities and uses, with some creatures for specific purposes – such as the Microsoft HoloLens and HoloAnatomy for medical training.
How Mixed Reality Can be Used in Education
Mixed reality may have different forms within education and learning, and they both have a place in this area. The two primary ways that it can be used in education are traditional mixed reality learning defined as virtual reality, and the second is true mixed reality – where the experience is fully immersive rather than taking place on/inside a computer.
In mixed reality learning, our students are able to manipulate and touch the virtual environment to interact with abstract concepts, data sets, and even formulae that we find complex – all in order to get a better understanding of it.
This “true” mixed reality learning makes education more fun and immersive, and gives students the opportunity to learn live never before. For example, seeing DNA strands up close and personal in VR, identifying elements, and many other things.
The versatility of mixed reality learning means that students and teachers can experience new worlds without worrying about things like safety and budgets. With the correct technology, we open ourselves to new opportunities where we can explore without worrying about traditional hurdles like we used to. It also allows us to connect with others on a more personal level around the world, where anyone can talk to anyone – from within the same classroom or on the other side of the world.
What is Mixed Reality Already Used for Within Education?
Mixed reality can be used for a wide variety of things in education, and it can be used for any subject you can think of. Sciences, whether it’s biology, chemistry, physics, or astronomy, can all benefit from mixed reality – as can arts, languages, history, social studies, and so much more. The possibilities are endless, and there is always a way to incorporate mixed reality into lessons to make them more engaging, interesting, and exciting for students.
Around the world, mixed reality learning is already being used in education for a variety of subjects, from learning about space and rivers to career exploration and fitness. Below are some incredible uses that you should know about:
- Elements 4D for STEM education
- Google Expeditions for virtual field trips
- Microsoft HoloLens and HoloAnatomy for medical training
- Wonderbook for interactive storytelling
- Tilt Brush by Google for art and design
- HoloFit for physical education
- MondlyAR for learning languages
- Titans of Space for space exploration and astronomy
- TimeLooper for historical re-enactments
- VIVE Sync for exploring different careers
How Dubai Schools Are Using Mixed Reality in Schools
One aspect of mixed reality is virtual reality, which can be an excellent learning tool for children with ADHD, but is also useful for any child. In VR, the “real” environment is substituted for the technology environment – whether this is in the form of games, videos, or something else. For this, the user has to be wearing an immersive VR device.
Another aspect of mixed reality is augmented reality. This is an integration between our environments and virtual elements. It can vary depending on the type of device used and what kind of technology it has, and it’s this kind of mixed reality technology that would primarily be used in educational settings, but virtual reality can also be key.
The incorporation of gamification and a more participatory involvement for lessons means
that children are keen to get involved and are far more likely to remember what is being taught. A child who is excited to learn is a child who will remember what they learn, and this knowledge is a building block for their bright futures.
Using mixed reality in schools means that students are given the opportunity to see, hear, and experience things that they otherwise never would in an immersive way. You can use mixed reality to learn about and witness historical re-enactments, or walk with dinosaurs as you explore and learn about the prehistoric world.
Is Mixed Reality Dangerous for Students?
As incredible and useful as mixed reality is, there are limitations to it, as well as dangers. Dubai schools are utilising virtual reality and mixed reality learning in the most incredible ways, but this always needs to be done safely. Although mixed reality itself is not dangerous when used correctly and responsibly by adults, children do need to be monitored and their use limited.
Mixed reality such as virtual reality is safe for children, but not young children, as we do not yet know what kind of impact it could have on young, developing brains. However, mixed reality via augmented reality is hugely beneficial and can promote cognitive engagement while helping students understand challenging topics.
School of Modern Skills
At the School of Modern Skills, our amazing facilities have been constructed to get the best academic results and teach our students what they need to thrive in this world and the future. With a focus on technology and its varied and incredible uses, we teach our students from a young age that there are no more limitations when it comes to learning.
You can find out more about our school by looking at our academic facilities, medical care, and health and safety. We also have information on parent inquiry procedures, school calendars and hours, transportation, sports, and our vision.
How Dubai schools are using mixed reality in schools is nothing short of incredible. With the implementation of mixed reality learning, students are able to grasp concepts that would otherwise be difficult or even impossible
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