Virtual and Augmented Reality: Enhancing the learning experience in higher education in the U.A.E. Current standing & research directions

Abstract

In addition to the established and widespread technological tools and trends of the past decades, such as the surge of mobile computing, high-speed networks and social media, new technologies utilizing the increased power and capabilities of modern computers is developing rapidly. Perhaps, no better example of this can be found than the rapid developments in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), that have recently made the step from the laboratories and specialized, bespoke training applications of the past, to the mainstream. Advances in VR/AR have opened the floodgates to digital internships, virtual labs, and novel collaborative and experiential learning. The magnitude and impact of these emerging technologies is also evident on the significant interest in their application and use in various commercial, professional, and industrial contexts. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, the entertainment industries, specialized training, corporate demonstrations and conferencing, and prototyping and modelling in the technical and engineering areas. Since universities play a vital role in moulding tomorrow's talents, integrating such technologies can help them not only by supporting teaching and learning, but also by contributing to related research and enhancing the learning technology frameworks in their entirety. The aim of this research paper is to briefly discuss the position of these emerging technologies in the educational sector in general, and explore what their role, impact, and structure may be in the educational systems of the future with a focus on higher education in the U.A.E.

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“…VR involves creating a computer-generated virtual environment in which users can interact using devices such as VR goggles or headsets, while AR overlays digital information on top of the real world using devices such as smartphones or tablets [60]. These technologies have great potential for a wide variety of applications, including training and learning [61][62][63][64], entertainment [65,66], advertising [67] and marketing [68], simulation of dangerous situations [69], and aid in the treatment of diseases [70][71][72][73]. Currently, VR and AR are experiencing rapid growth and expansion [74], driven by the development of ever more advanced technologies and the popularity of video games [65,66] and mobile applications [75,76].…”