Virtual Pedagogy: Scenarios for Future Learning with VR and AR Technologies

Abstract

Modern education and science are at the stage of active practical implementation of digital technologies aimed at improving the efficiency of the educational process. The fourth wave of industrial development offers digital and technological solutions that enhance the practical learning experience through the use of immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. The purpose of this study is to assess the possibilities of using currently available Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies and to develop specific recommendations for improving the quality of the educational process, as well as to explore promising areas for the development of immersive education. The study used methods of criterion-based selection of the optimal tool for creating educational virtual content. This selection was made among the research nomenclature of currently available relevant digital platforms based on the calculation of specialised metrics for assessing the focal technical and technological capabilities of the studied cloud resources. Based on the results of this study, the optimal and currently available means of creating educational content has been identified, which provides users with the opportunity to use VR/AR technologies without acquiring special skills and abilities. Pedagogical scenarios that have already been immersed and can be adapted to different sectors of education are proposed. Probable vectors for the further development of educational VR/AR technologies are considered, and a hypothesis is formed about the need to use real experience in implementing immersive and virtualised educational processes to adjust and moderate the future development of global education in the context of the and Education 4.0 paradigms. The results of this study indicate the dynamic development of the field of immersive and virtualised educational space, formulate practical recommendations for using currently available tools for creating virtual educational content, and also point to the problem of low scientific support for the development of the studied field, which requires a systematic approach and a generally accepted strategy in the transformational processes of civilisational evolution. According to the results of the study, it is recommended to actively introduce available cloud-based platforms for creating virtual educational content into educational processes, as well as to use a nomenclature of pedagogical scenarios that have already been adapted and transformed to the use of VR/AR technologies in educational processes. It is necessary to constantly monitor and moderate the processes of involving immersive and virtualisation tools in the educational space.