What is STEM?
STEM is an evolving platform to which a curriculum is based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This new method of learning makes the approach applicable in real life and is more complex than some of the standard or traditional learning programs. STEM integrates all four subjects and makes it one complete mastery.
What is AR?
AR is augmented reality, a technology based in virtual reality that offers user experience that is anchored in the real world but does not directly interact with it. Considered as an introduction to MR and VR, augmented reality platform is easier and more convenient to use. As of this writing, AR is now being known as the leading VR platform that caters to almost everyone.
Augmented Reality and STEM
Virtual Reality is well-known as a gaming platform and Mixed Reality has really taken off as a professional platform. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, continues to create it’s mark as an educational platform. Widely used as a gateway to the VR world, AR ushers in a new and emerging learning method. Using VR technology, augmented reality platform is now widely used in deep learning.
Deep Learning is strongly-related to STEM which is an educational curriculum focused on K-12 learning. With the creation of augmented reality, complex algorithms can be portrayed in a visual context. STEM topics that are really difficult to explain in simple lectures are portrayed visually in augmented reality – making comprehension much easier and data retention more effective.
Using VR technology, STEM subjects that may sound a bit difficult to most students can be fun and more interesting to learn. With simulations, computation may be transformed to objects from a simple text or number. Simplifying formulas can be broken down in chunks for better understanding of the context. The possibilities in augmented reality in education is limitless and using this technology in STEM is the an effective way of learning.
With AR, students can better understand and master STEM. Even without the STEM curriculum program, the whole VR environment stimulates the user’s cognitive skills to enhance critical thinking – which is one of the main cores of STEM learning. With the VR technology itself, STEM learning is a given factor even if it is through gaming.
There is a significant number of students that have a difficult time dealing with scientific formulas, operating advanced technology devices, engineering problems and mathematical equations. All these factors are used in creating virtual reality which is the base program of augmented reality. One way to explain the use of an augmented reality platform in discovering STEM, is like going into a chocolate factory for a field trip and going home with the information needed to create a chocolate bar.
With the environment possibilities that AR is capable of, STEM-based learning can be easier to explain and comprehend. A lot of apps and programs have recently been created to focus on augmented reality in education and are now already available. One benefit we have seen is that it can be a little less expensive to have AR than the advanced VR goggles. With many of these apps and programs, students have discovered that STEM can be similar to other virtual games out there and they can be fun too.
Deep Learning apps and programs that are geared towards STEM-based learning are downloadable which makes them great for mobile devices. These AR apps takes the users into different scenarios that are interactive enough to be fun yet serious enough to impart knowledge into the minds of the users. Even younger students are beginning to learn from STEM-based learning apps in AR.
Think of it as a science-fiction movie set in the future. There are so many possibilities that can expand imagination and stimulate cognitive skills that helps fuel critical thinking. This is one example of how augmented reality platform may help students discover STEM now and into the future. Even just immersing in AR leaves little bits of pieces of information in the subconscious of the user that can later be used in STEM-based exercises.
What we have seen so far is the promotion and quick growth of STEM learning success With Virtual Reality in Education and now with Augmented Reality in education. Perhaps it’s because it’s getting a little easier for schools to provide students with the opportunity to experience STEM in the virtual reality world through AR!