An Overview of Enhancing Distance Learning Through Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies

TL;DR

This paper reviews how augmented and virtual reality technologies can address key challenges in distance learning, such as engagement and social interaction, and discusses future research directions for their effective integration.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of AR/VR to improve distance learning by analyzing current challenges and exploring technological solutions and research needs.

Findings

AR/VR can enhance social interaction in distance learning

AR/VR technologies may improve student engagement and retention

Current AR/VR solutions have limitations that require further research

Abstract

Although distance learning presents a number of interesting educational advantages as compared to in-person instruction, it is not without its downsides. We first assess the educational challenges presented by distance learning as a whole and identify 4 main challenges that distance learning currently presents as compared to in-person instruction: the lack of social interaction, reduced student engagement and focus, reduced comprehension and information retention, and the lack of flexible and customizable instructor resources. After assessing each of these challenges in-depth, we examine how AR/VR technologies might serve to address each challenge along with their current shortcomings, and finally outline the further research that is required to fully understand the potential of AR/VR technologies as they apply to distance learning.