According to a recent report, the immersive technology market size may reach USD 134.18 billion by 2030 as it was noticed that it reached the value of USD 22 billion in 2021. Augmented reality & virtual reality - the immersive technologies help users to experience digitally rendered content both in physical as well as virtual spaces and they render notable potential for edtech innovation. In recent years, advances in technology have brought about new and innovative ways of learning and teaching, and higher education is no exception. Immersive learning, a teaching method that uses virtual and augmented reality, has the potential to transform the classroom experience and take higher education to the next level. It can allow students to engage in realistic life scenarios and other interactive experiences that help them understand and retain information in a more meaningful way. In the context of higher education, immersive learning can be used to teach a wide range of subjects, from engineering and science to business and the humanities.  It is an easier way for students to learn the things more effectively with appropriate understanding. In this article, we delve into three most impactful traits of immersive learning in higher education.

Familiarizing with real-world scenarios

Immersive learning allows students to experience real-world scenarios and stimulations in a safe and controlled environment. This can be particularly valuable in subjects such as medicine, engineering, and business, where students can practice complex procedures and make decisions in a realistic setting. This type of hands-on learning experience can help students develop valuable skills that are directly useful to their future careers. It helps in overcoming new challenges in life. By exploring the unique features and limitations of each type of immersive learning, you can gain a better understanding of this technique and how does it benefit the students in learning. It helps in designing and participating in team works. This type of learning can be useful in high risk areas. This can help to improve analytical and decision making skills. It encourages and prepares for high stress and critical thinking with complex situations which is required in problem solving. Immersive learning can help to make education more accessible and effective for a vast range of learners.

Improved Engagement

Immersive learning creates more engaging and interactive learning experience. It keeps the students more active and attentive. It offers a chance to explore and interact with concepts in a safe and controlled environment, which helps learners understand complex ideas and subjects more effectively with a safe environment to experiment, learn, and practice. This helps increase learners' motivation and enthusiasm for learning. The immersive nature of the learning experience makes it more memorable and enjoyable, leading to better retention of information. This allows learners to progress at their own step and to focus on areas where they need more practice. For example, a language learning program can adjust the difficulty level of the exercises based on the learner's performance, providing a personalized learning experience. It also helps in developing interpersonal and communication skills which are essential. This helps learners to keep invested and interested in education. It is also used to improve in medical training by using realistic simulations of medical procedures.  

Flexibility

Immersive learning is flexible, and learners can access it from anywhere at any time. It can be used to deliver training to a global audience, allowing learners to participate from different locations, without the need to travel. It also helps the learners to become more productive in their roles. Learners can participate in group learning activity, which improves their communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Whether you are interested in virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, or game-based immersive learning, it is important to understand the different types and approaches that exist, and how they can be used to enhance the learning experience. This can build confidence. This can provide valued education and inclusive experiences in learning. It also helps in language learning. It helps learners to practice and experiment in different scenarios with a risk free environment. It is also helpful in training areas for safe environment. This can be flexible for learners who need more time to absorb in complex situations. This is also beneficial for quick learners to acquire specific skills and knowledge. This is also flexible for learners who have unique learning needs.

"Tech-based visual learning has grown dramatically in the last few years. It helps students to visualize complex concepts, instead of learning by rote without understanding. Using 3D videos and 3D simulations elevates learning of Maths and Science concepts," says Sandeep Dham, COO, Aakash BYJU's.

"It is more than just what the person sees but how they see it. Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies are opening up new frontiers in creating a rich learning experience that is more immersive and advanced," he adds.

In conclusion, immersive learning has the potential to revolutionize the classroom experience in higher education and bring education to the next level. By providing students with an engaging and interactive environment, immersive learning can help students better understand and retain information, develop valuable skills, and have a more meaningful learning experience. However, to fully realize the benefits of immersive learning, it is important for higher education institutions to invest in the technology and resources needed to deliver high-quality immersive learning experiences.  It helps learners to have greater engagement and motivation, allows for personalized learning, encourages teamwork and provides a safe learning environment.