XR in Class: Good or Bad Idea

Imagine students amazed by HMDs, fully engaged with the technology, enjoying their time with classmates, and learning while having fun—or even without realizing it! Sounds like a dream for students, but what about teachers? Let’s dive into this exciting topic! 

This question is tricky because the effectiveness of XR in learning depends on various factors. For some students, it can be an incredible experience, while others might find it less engaging. Just like in a traditional lecture, some students thrive while others may struggle to stay focused. However, introducing something new in the classroom, like XR, can capture students’ attention, which is crucial for effective learning. 

The subject matter also plays a significant role. For example, learning about a biology concept might differ greatly from experimenting with chemical reactions in XR. The effectiveness also depends on the application and the technology used. If the XR content simply mirrors a traditional lecture, students might lose interest quickly. To keep them engaged, it’s essential to change stimuli at the right moments. However, this can be challenging because students have different thresholds for boredom, making it nearly impossible to please everyone. 

So, is XR effective for learning? Some studies suggest that it can be more effective than traditional lectures or even desktop versions of the same application! Don’t just take our word for it—check out our research (e. g., Immersive virtual-reality computer-assembly serious game to enhance autonomous learning). But remember, for XR to be effective, the activity must be well-planned in terms of timing, content, and objectives. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when and how to use XR in the classroom. However, here’s our advice if you’re curious about our perspective: 

• Determine the Need: First, ask yourself why you need XR. If your goal is to demonstrate something that can easily be explained, drawn, or understood through traditional methods, XR might not add significant value. 

• Understand Your Students’ Needs: Observe your students closely. What do they struggle with? What concepts do they frequently ask about? If you find that a 3D immersive experience could help, such as understanding life in the 19th century by virtually “being there,” XR could be highly beneficial. 

• Choose the Right Technology: Consider what fits best for your lectures. A fully immersive experience might reduce distractions but requires specific HMDs. On the other hand, using a mobile phone for augmented reality (AR) can be faster and more affordable, but it might also be more distracting since students remain in the physical classroom. 

• Plan the Experience: Look for existing examples, develop your own content, or work with someone to customize the experience. Interaction is key—letting students interact with the XR environment makes them feel like part of the experience, which can lead to better retention and learning. 

If you’re a student, the same principles apply! Engaging with XR can help you understand and remember concepts better. So, choose your experience wisely, dive in fully, and ask questions whenever you need to—whether it’s from your teachers or developers. Never let doubt hold you back! 

Once you have the XR application ready, here are some tips to maximize its impact: 

• Practice First: Before the learning experience, teach students how to use the technology. Let them practice unless the application includes a thorough tutorial. 

• Playtest: Try out the application yourself. It will be easier to guide your students if you’re familiar with it. 

• Maintain Silence: Encourage silence during the experience to help students focus and perform better. 

• Collect Feedback: After the session, ask students about their experience—how they felt, if they’d like to try it again, and whether they learned something new. It might be helpful to track learning improvement by conducting pre- and post-tests. 

• Ask for Assistance: Managing a large group of students in an XR experience can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

• Provide Space: Students experience XR differently; some may move around a lot. Ensure they have enough space to move freely. 

• Keep Chairs Available: Some students might experience cybersickness and may need to sit down to feel better. 

• Avoid Overuse: Using XR all the time can make it less exciting. Variety is key. 

• Clean Devices: For hygiene reasons, clean the devices after each use. 

• Create Groups: If there aren’t enough devices for everyone, split the students into groups. It’s better if these groups are in different rooms to minimize distractions. 

• Provide an Introduction: Make sure students know what XR is before diving in. They might find it fascinating! 
• Get Consent: If you’re collecting data, make sure to get consent from parents or legal guardians, as well as approval from the institution’s administration. 

Now that you know how effective XR can be and how to implement it in your lectures, it’s time to take action! Share your experiences in the comments below! 

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