University of Glasgow report highlights transformational power of XR technology for education
Published: 27 February 2024
Research insight
UofG has officially launched its white paper on the benefits and challenges that immersive technologies like virtual reality can bring to education.
The University of Glasgow has officially unveiled its white paper addressing the advantages and obstacles associated with immersive technologies such as virtual reality in education.
Supported by Meta, the study has put forth a set of suggestions aimed at the Extended Reality (XR) technology sector, government entities, and educational institutions.
The paper says the XR
represents a significant watershed” in the progress that audiovisual technology are been developed, with devices now modelled “on the way we naturally interact with the real world”.
It adds: “Instead of watching a video recording of an erupting volcano, an XR user can find themselves right on the crater’s edge and peak inside, even stand on their tiptoes as they inch closer to get a better look. Instead of reading about the distinguishing features of various dinosaurs, a user can don an XR headset and walk up to a virtual dinosaur as it’s grazing on Mesozoic grass and get an immediate experience of its size, shape and presence in the world.
“This sense of presence and immersion can offer countless opportunities not just for entertainment and storytelling, but for a wide range of educational experiences too.
A recent survey conducted by the XR Association (XRA) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) revealed that over two-thirds (67%) of educators in the UK are optimistic about the regular integration of immersive technologies into school curricula. Furthermore, 77% of educators believe in the potential of extended reality to spark curiosity and enhance engagement in classrooms. The hope is that the White Paper and its accompanying Report will provide valuable insights for policymakers and funders by identifying research gaps and highlighting areas of policy that warrant attention.
The University possesses extensive knowledge of the operational and logistical challenges associated with implementing XR teaching methods. Drawing upon their expertise in developing the Edify platform, academics have successfully deployed XR technologies in various educational settings, including Higher Education, in comprehensive secondary contexts, remote rural school deployments, and primary classrooms. The academics, using pioneering facilities at the Advanced Research Centre (ARC), have been blending teaching, learning and research with XR technologies – many of which came into their own during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“XRed: Preparing for immersive education” is a White Paper document by the Scoping Extended Educational Realities (SEER) research group in the University of Glasgow. The cross disciplinary team is made up of researchers in education, philosophy, XR technology and psychology, and this group has extensive experience in the deployment and use of XR technology in education.
SEER is led by Professor Neil McDonnell (School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan) and includes Dr Lavinia Hirsu (School of Education); Dr Gabriella Rodolico (School of Education); Dr Sarune Savickaite (School of Psychology & Neuroscience); Dr Imants Latkovskis (XR Lab Manager/IT Services) and Dr Lysette Chapronniere (School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan).
Read the full report on the University of Glasgow new webpage.
First published: 27 February 2024