Transforming Online Education with Immersive Learning and 360 VR Content
The days of static PowerPoint slides are over. In today’s ever-evolving online learning ecosystem, it is more important than ever to find new and intuitive ways to create impactful eLearning experiences. This is especially true within the online education sector. Learners today crave engaging and immersive experiences that capture attention immediately and keep them engaged.
Imagine yourself within a virtual scenario; greeted with a lively immersive learning experience where you can explore intricate details of a topic from any angle. That is the power of immersive learning in your next eLearning course.
The Power of 3D and Immersive Design in eLearning
Improved Retention and Understanding
The integration of 3D interactive learning environments within eLearning has shown significant promise in enhancing knowledge transfer and retention. A great example is VR (Virtual Reality) interactions, which provide a more immersive and effective learning experience compared to traditional methods.
Students using VR training perform better in both short-term and long-term knowledge retention tests. This innovative approach ensures that students can apply the skills learned in practical scenarios.
Enhanced Engagement
With the use of 3D design, you can create an immersive learning environment. By using realistic simulations of scenarios relevant to the course content, learners feel more engaged and connected with the content, leading to a more impactful learning experience.
Applications of 3D Design in eLearning
Now that we know 3D design can be incredibly useful for learners, how can we apply it in our courses? There isn’t just one cut-and-dry method; the integration of 3D elements is limited only by your imagination! Here are some possibilities:
Animation
Utilizing 3D models and animations allows learners to better explore complex ideologies and concepts from different perspectives. When done right, with enhanced sound design, visuals, and storytelling, it is a powerful way to convey memorable messages or ideas.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Integrating VR and AR is a fantastic way to immerse learners further by transferring them into the content without real-life risks or costs. These elements often require additional equipment, such as VR headsets or devices with specific functionality like a camera. AR augments your surroundings by overlaying digital elements into a live view, while VR provides a completely immersive experience that replaces a real-life environment with a simulated one.
- AR augments your surroundings by adding or overlaying digital elements into a live view, often by using the camera on a smartphone.
Pokémon GO. (2020). Pokémon GO. [online] Available at: https://pokemongolive.com/.
- VR is a completely immersive experience that replaces a real-life environment with a simulated one. VR headsets and additional equipment track the user’s head and body movements to allow them to interact with the virtual reality world around them.
www.edverse.com. (n.d.). How Virtual Reality in Education is Transforming Learning – Metaverse Edition. [online] Available at: https://www.edverse.com/blog/how-virtual-reality-in-education-is-transforming-learning-metaverse-edition.
360 Video
360-degree videos and interactive imagery provide a comprehensive view of different scenarios while maintaining ease of accessibility. A 360 video allows learners to experience entire scenes beyond a static image. This type of element can be viewed on-screen via multiple devices, without the additional need for costly VR/AR equipment. However, 360 elements can also be leveraged to create VR experiences.
Axen, Y. (2017). How 360-Degree Videos Are The Next Step In Personalized Video. [online] SundaySky. Available at: https://sundaysky.com/resources/360-degree-personalized-video-trend/ [Accessed 24 Jul. 2024].
Tools of the Trade
1. Where to Embed Your 3D Elements
To begin your immersive journey, you will need an authoring tool to create the base for your content. New Leaf Technologies has partnered with Articulate 360 to take immersivity to its fullest potential when crafting eLearning content. Storyline 360 allows users to fully integrate 360 imagery, 3D design, and VR elements at the click of a button.
Contact us for more information on Articulate 360.
2. How to Create Your 3D Elements
Next, you will need software such as Blender or Cinema 4D to create your content. Blender is a free 3D design software capable of everything needed for almost any type of application, from immersive environments to custom animations.
Content created from Blender can be seamlessly housed within Storyline 360 as an animated video file or an interactive 360 image. For more immersive VR experiences, tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are great for developing gamified experiences.
3. Effectively Implementing Your 3D Elements
When implementing 3D elements, consider when it is appropriate to use them to make them as effective as possible. Align your content with your objectives and engage learners by making the learning content interactive and meaningful. Incorporate quizzes and assignments at the end of your learning modules to gather feedback and data on how effective your 3D interactions were.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating 3D design into eLearning represents a significant advancement in the field, transforming how learners engage with and retain information. The days of static, uninspiring eLearning content are over.
3D elements breathe new life into educational materials, making learning more interactive, immersive, and effective. By leveraging tools like Articulate 360, Blender, and Unity, educators can create rich, dynamic environments that captivate learners’ attention and enhance their understanding.
Contact New Leaf today to learn more about Articulate 360.
