Virtual Vs. Augmented Reality

    Virtual and augmented reality are both new technologies that allow us to see/interact with our world in very different ways. More specifically, virtual reality is a three-dimensional realistic and immersive simulation. Augmented reality is an enhanced image or environment viewed on a screen or another display. I believe that both of these technologies would be useful in the classroom, but virtual reality tends to be a lot more expensive. Therefore, I personally believe that augmented reality will flourish the most. I believe augmented reality is going to flourish more because it is more practical for educational purposes than virtual reality is. There are many ways to use augmented reality, and it is easy to tie this type of technology into the classroom. For instance, augmented reality is available with many apps that can easily be used for educational advances in all different subjects. Augmented reality is also very practical for non-educational reasons as well. Augmented reality can translate signs in different languages, and it can inform you of nearby restaurants, food places, and etc. With virtual reality, I think it is more practical to be used more for gaming and not so much for education unless it is used at a wealthy institution. Therefore, I think people will be more accepting and supportive of the augmented reality because it is more readily available and much more practical.


   I can see augmented reality being utilized in my future classroom in many ways. For example, it is easy to set up stations that use augmented reality, and these activities are engaging! I would be happy to use augmented reality in my classroom because it would get my students excited about learning, and it would be a nice break from traditional learning. Augmented reality is also a great way to help students visualize certain things because it brings them to life! For example, you could bring a world map to life so students could see the world in a different, more accurate way. I think augmented reality has a very bright future in education, and I am anxious to see how far it will go!