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Using AR and VR in the classroom has its benefits.
CUAA’s fully accredited Doctor of Occupational Therapy program recently welcomed cutting-edge tech into the classroom, thanks to csiSIM. Founded on CUAA’s campus by two former employees, csiSIM exists to improve the way people learn through the creation and implementation of immersive simulation technologies and practices, such as augmented reality and virtual reality. The center offers training and consulting services.
Earlier this semester, CUAA OTD students spent a class period becoming acquainted with VR and AR headsets. As a follow-up assignment students were tasked to come up with a way that VR or AR could be integrated into practice. Students will pitch their ideas in a few weeks in a “Shark Tank”-style presentation to the csiSIM “sharks.”
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First of all, what’s the difference between AR and VR?
There are some overlaps between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), but they are ultimately different. AR adds to your field of vision, but doesn’t overtake it. “AR displays can offer something as simple as a data overlay that shows the time, to something as complicated as holograms floating in the middle of a room,” describes PC Mag’s Will Greenwald. Think: Pokemon Go.
VR, on the other hand, completely takes over your vision. “It give(s) you the impression that you’re somewhere else,” Greenwald says. If your VR headset was turned off, you wouldn’t be able to see, since the headset completely covers your eyes. Think: Wearing an Oculus Rift headset and taking a virtual field trip to Mars.
2 Things we love about using immersive simulation technologies in the classroom
1. Experiential learning is just more memorable.
Matthew Bergholt is a former classroom teacher who now serves Lutheran schools at the national level. He describes AR and VR in the classroom as “the ultimate example of experiential learning.” Experiential learning helps create meaning around key topics. When students can visualize what they’re learning, concepts stick. Additionally, when you can “drop” students in almost any location or setting, it builds empathy and conditions your emotions. Concordia occupational therapy students, for example, can practice therapeutic rapport and clinical skillsets using AR and VR.
2. AR and VR enhance content and can help achieve mastery.
Through AR and VR, students can visualize just about anything, from the inner workings of the aorta to what it would be like to be a pilot. The tech evokes a sense of wonder and critical thinking, while allowing students to be immersed in the chosen content.
One of csiSIM’s co-founders, Cindy Fenske, DNP, RN, CNE, loves having AR and VR integrated into the curriculum. “Our AR and VR will be accessible by an individual student, a group of students in the same or different locations, and/or viewable in a classroom setting for any number of students,” she says. “Students can complete the AR/VR module as many times as needed to master the material. We feel the addition of AR/VR will enhance learning and retention for all.”
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer a variety of degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn your master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. In the near future, Concordia will look to reintroduce church work training opportunities in Ann Arbor by building a new vision and model for the undergraduate degree programs here.