Before and after AR/VR: empowering paradigm shifts in education

The development and potential of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have already begun to transform classrooms and teaching in ways unimaginable just ten years ago. The increasing integration of these tools and experiences into educational environments has ushered in the possibility of profound changes in the way we think, learn and communicate. Applications for and in education are at the forefront of these changes. AR/VR can enhance the way teachers teach and students learn on all levels from primary school to post graduate education and in all content areas. This new way of experiencing and understanding the world can bring about great opportunities to improve teaching environments and support teachers in their mission to improve the skills and experiences of their students. AR and VR devices now available have made these experiences more affordable, interfaces for uses in education have improved enormously, and people from countries far and wide are able to contribute and connect in ways never available before. When teachers are able to design content that is delivered using AR or VR environments, and students can explore knowledge in a completely different context, opportunities emerge that allow for unique and exciting learning experiments. This panel brings together international experts in industry and education who are making significant contributions to education using these technologies. The panelists will present their newest and ongoing education initiatives, creative and innovative projects, and their plans and predictions for the future. They will discuss the broader ramifications of the dissemination of these new tools.