Virtual and Augmented Reality: Applications to the Field of Adult Education in a Post-Covid-19 Era

Virtual and Augmented Reality: Applications to the Field of Adult Education in a Post-Covid-19 Era

The use of technology applications such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). to support learning in the field of adult education.

As our society becomes more globalized and interconnected, technology adoption has become an important factor for adult education. As a result of the social distancing guidelines imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, education has been forced to rapidly adopt the use of technology for learning purposes. Consequently, the advancement in technology has made it possible to adapt different improvements to the learning and teaching activities. Technology in education can be used for improving students’ engagement, enhancing participation, improving critical thinking and problem solving, having immediate feedback, performing hands-on learning, and develop new skills to fulfill the adult’s specific educational needs. Consequently, the use of technology for adult education might imply the use of some new applications such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Virtual reality technologies allow users to fully immerse and interact with virtual environments and objects providing sensorial feedback. Augmented reality allows the interaction with the surrounding environment by superimposing images to real scenarios. Both technologies can be used as an enabler element to foster Self-Directed Learning (SDL) opening the opportunities for a learner’s richer experience. Consequently, to support adult learning, institutions and practitioners can use VR and AR technologies to effectively adapt their practices to adult learning. This poster presents the VR and AR technologies and relates them to the potential use of education for adults.

Luis Eduardo Orozco

March 2021

Dr. Regina Giraldo-Garcia

English