What are immersive technologies?
Immersive technologies, such as AR, VR, and MR, are types of technology that deface the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds (Suh & Prophet, 2018). Research in various fields have proven that the use of immersive technologies enhance learning experiences (Huang et al., 2016), promote participation in collaboratively activities (Fonseca et al., 2014), and increases student creativity and engagement (Huang et al., 2010). Despite AR, VR, and MR increasing in popularity in the recent years, minimal research has been conducted to better understand how students experience learning with the use of these immersive technologies (Suh & Prophet, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this instructional resource is to explain what these immersive technologies are and to provide K-12 STEM teachers with research-based methods on how these immersive technologies can be integrated in STEM.
What is augmented reality?
Augmented reality (AR) refers to technology that blends the physical world with an added digital layer (as shown in the picture to the left). Therefore, AR technology enhances the users' ability to experience and interact with the digitized person or object that is being immersed into the real world (Rochlen et al., 2017) .
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality (VR) refers to technology that creates an interactive virtual environment. VR was designed to present users with simulated real-life experiences (Lee et al., 2013). The 3 main types of virtual reality technology systems are: fully immersive VR, semi-immersive VR, and non-immersive VR. Fully immersive VR systems require users to wear a headset to completely immerse themselves in a virtual environment. Semi-immersive VR systems provide the users with a mix of a virtual environment and reality. And non-immersive VR systems allow users to view the virtual content displayed in a screen such as a computer, phone, or tablet.
