Written by XPANCEO founder Roman Axelrod.
There is tremendous excitement about how AR/VR technologies can transform education. Just as in movies, one may imagine children taking virtual trips to ancient Rome, studying interactive 3D models of the Solar System, and even observing molecules or frogs coming to life before their eyes. Various research, for example, this one in Nature magazine, proves that AR and VR effectively enhance knowledge acquisition, retention, and skills development. However, merely achieving these benefits is insufficient to revolutionize education. To make a significant difference, new technologies must not only change how individuals interact with materials but also transform the entire sector of the economy.
Still, XR indeed has the potential to reshape the education system. In this article, we will explore how this shift will happen in other fields of education.
Why making education “cooler” is not enough
As in any other industry, educators are often preoccupied with concerns about funding, safety, equality, and curriculum. Therefore, for any new technology to gain widespread acceptance, it must bring about a fundamental transformation, rather than merely making it more user-friendly.
For instance, let's consider school education. As it was highlighted in various studies, AR and VR could potentially enhance students' learning experiences; however, the question arises whether the complexities and costs of implementing such technology in a relatively rigid government-controlled system are justified. Even personal computers, despite their long presence, have struggled to fully integrate into school education. According to the Cambridge International survey, 48% of students do use computers for their education, yet 90% still use pen and paper.
In the case of higher education, we can expect more viable opportunities. For example, giving students in medical or engineering schools better tools through XR applications can significantly improve the effectiveness of their courses. In this realm, funding sources are also clearer, with employers and key vendors showing interest in investing. However, even these advancements fall short. The challenge lies in the fact that such changes only represent a small portion of the overall educational process. While such training aids in acquiring practical skills faster, it cannot replace the complete educational journey.
Where the real change can take place
The most promising ground for XR to provide a complete solution is vocational training, where a global shift in approach is required. Vocational training is education preparing for a specific career, primarily in the blue-collar sector. Studies highlight that the demand for low-skilled workers as well as their salary, is decreasing. In contrast, there is a rising demand for mid-skilled jobs that require specialized training and qualifications to operate and maintain various equipment. The mid-skilled roles encompass various tasks: heavy construction equipment and machines and working with cash registers, inventory scanners, and robotized cleaners. As technology advances, devices become more prevalent, with embedded computers becoming a standard feature. Consequently, re-training becomes essential due to evolving equipment and changes in job requirements.
What will the changes be
With the known benefits of AR and VR applications in education, such as increased engagement, improved focus, and better knowledge retention, we can see their significant impact on vocational training. Going beyond merely accelerating the learning process, XR's potential for fundamental changes is promising:
Redefining training and work. AR applications can truly blur the lines between training, apprenticeship, and on-the-job performance. With the use of them, students or workers can be smoothly transferred from simulations to augmented or real-life work, after the system determines they are ready to move on to the next learning stage. This is especially the case for a smart contact lens which will make education the most realistic without adding any additional devices.
Enhancing workplace safety. XR can make professional certifications fully digital, so people will get to learn how to work with complex machines without any risks. At the same time, XR provides possibilities for instant certification that cannot be faked, so the employer will have effective means to reassure that the person is ready to work with the equipment.
Increasing workforce mobility. With quick and cost-effective training, employers can address workforce shortages and adapt to changing market demands. This fosters investment and growth in manufacturing and other industries, benefiting both employers and employees alike.
Vocational training is being discussed less often, but the opportunities there are much brighter than in more hype areas such as school or university education. Moreover, there already are some companies that offer hardware simulators for heavy equipment, for example, Caterpillar machines or VR training courses. More will follow when XR equipment becomes more affordable, but only with truly wearable gadgets like smart contact lens will the full potential of these tools be unleashed.
If you want to learn more about the smart contact lens developed by XPANCEO, contact dragon@xpanceo.com.
