Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are taking hold in K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
It allows students to explore all sorts of content in a more lifelike way, connect learning to real-world situations. Even when focused on STEM education and scientific applications, the impact of AR/VR learning experiences extends far beyond the actual lesson.
AR/VR is also a gateway for students to nurture soft skills that are essential for success in higher education and the workforce – empathy, perseverance, compassion, and others.
So how do AR/VR experiences deliver so many social and emotional learning opportunities?
Persevering Through Failure
In a lifelike AR/VR environment, students are able to fail safely and develop the perseverance and grit to repeat a process and adjust variables to correct their initial errors. Failure is incorporated as an effective strategy for learning.
Overcoming Anxiety and Developing Confidence
AR/VR applications that guide users through challenging or uncomfortable social situations can help children and young adults learn how to identify anxiety triggers and manage anxiety successfully. Students can virtually practice interactions in both a one-on-one and group setting.
Empathy and Compassion Through Cultural Exposure
Students can use AR/VR to travel to other countries, get a taste of different cultures, or bring historical content to life to understand the challenges experienced by others around the world and feel the effects of societal change. Similarly, experiences that bring students closer to the Earth itself can sharpen critical thinking skills on issues like climate change and its impact on various ecosystems and societies.
You can read more in this article Beyond the Science Experiment: Building Soft Skills with AR and VR.
