Immersive Learning Platforms: The Next Frontier in Higher Ed eBooks

For decades people started engaging with each other through various personal narratives, imaginative tales, staged performances, and even music. They got immersed in those stories and tales. Next was the invention of writing and scripting of texts and manuscripts, and finally came the books, which accelerated learning largely.

Coming back to real-time, online learning has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years. Especially for higher education, both educators and learners prefer online learning due to its flexibility and easy accessibility. 

In today’s digital era, educationists are striving to make such elearning modules more dynamic and engaging. With the invention of Artificial Intelligence (AI), educators are choosing immersive learning platforms to enhance their e-learning curriculums.

Table of Contents

I. What are Immersive Learning Platforms in Higher Education eBooks

II. Technologies Used in Immersive Learning Platforms

1. Virtual Reality
2. Augmented Reality
3. Mixed Reality
4. 360° Video

III. Benefits of Using Immersive Learning Platforms in Higher Ed eBooks

1. Enhanced Learning by Implementing
2. Offers an Undisturbed Environment for Learners
3. Personalized and User-Centric Learning Module
4. Risk-Free Learning Module

IV. Conclusion

The educational world is dynamic. Incorporating modern teaching methods with the latest technology has been a tradition.

Introducing online learning in higher education was one big leap toward carrying forward this tradition. But to create an overwhelming elearning experience, it should be interactive and engaging. Thus, steps in immersive learning platforms!

Several higher education providers, like colleges and universities, have started introducing immersive learning in their curriculums. However, some contest the effectiveness of this type of learning module. Yet, it can’t be denied that students are more hooked and engaged in this technique of unique learning experience.

The immersive learning platform integrates technology with a conventional style of teaching. It offers a realistic and inspiring growing environment to students. The focal point lies predominantly in the learning experience rather than scrutinizing the number of right and wrong answers.

Immersive learning platforms in higher education are designed by integrating digital media, simulations, and several interactive tools. That creates an “immersive” or captivating experience for learners. Using various AI tools, educators can create real-world scenarios and make the learning sessions more engaging and interactive.

KITABOO’s digital textbook platform offers a completely immersive learning experience for learners through modern virtual labs and simulations. Learners can explore new concepts and empower their thought processes, which will help them retain knowledge.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated 3D image simulation or environment. It offers an apparent real or physical environment through which learners can interact simply by using a headset. Many virtual reality devices offer extra components that make interaction with the simulated environment easy.

Educators can include virtual reality games while creating higher education eBooks based on immersive learning platforms. Students will be allowed to venture into a gamut of experiences right from exploring a simulated world to shooting enemies.

Thus, universities and colleges are trying to incorporate such immersive learning platforms in their e-learning modules to enhance the educational experience of learners. They are doing it in the following ways:

• Conducting virtual classroom meetings
• Simulated excursions to foreign countries
• Recreating historical moments
• Work simulations
• Virtual internships
• Lab simulations

With such virtual experiences, students can be exposed to different kinds of environments. Right from witnessing the hazards of a perilous situation to cherishing the grandeur of historical moments, students can get a real-world feel and a better grasp of the subject.

Another immersive learning technology that’s being adopted by higher education educators is Augmented Reality. Unlike virtual reality, which alters the real world with the simulation, AR’s hybrid module adds a digital blanket to the physical environment.

eLearning modules that are based on augmented reality technology operate through smartphones or tablets. It creates a superimposed 3D image generated via computer into the real world on screen. This enables students to engage in a more interactive environment.

By including AR in their e-learning modules, educators can enrich their course materials with substantial virtual examples and gaming features. This will enable learners to understand the concepts better.

Similar to augmented reality, mixed reality is a blend of physical and virtual space. Using a functional headset learners can interact in real-time with the physical world.

Using simple tools, for example, a headset, students can engage in an immersive learning module and explore deeper into the subjects. This type of immersive learning platform will help educators design a perfect landscape for learners that will help them collaborate and access out-of-reach experiences. It also helps learners to experience new perspectives of life, shunning all emotional barriers.

In higher education, learning modules based on the MR model can help students in the following ways:

• Visualizing and interacting with architectural models
• Exploring the night sky to locate planets, stars, satellites, and constellations
• Cultivate public speaking skills
• Connect with educators and peers remotely

306° video is a smart learning approach that can be easily incorporated using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or television. With an engaging storytelling format, this eLearning module allows higher education students to explore the artificial world from whichever point they prefer.

306° video technology can be included in different learning modules like journalism, entertainment, and more. Learners can explore various angles of a scene through simple mobile or mouse movements. 

Educators can conduct virtual field trips, in which students can travel to far-off places without literally stepping out of the classroom or online class. Incorporating such immersive learning technology in course modules helps educators motivate and encourage active participation among students.

By now, it is clear that immersive learning platforms offer a conducive learning environment for learners in higher education.

Thus, educators are more inclined towards designing eBooks that are integrated with such technologies to create an interactive and inclusive learning environment for learners. Following are a few benefits of using immersive learning platforms in higher education:

Digital content stimulates the learners’ brains to a greater extent. This allows their brain to react similarly as it would have done in a real-world scenario. Thus using immersive learning as an inspiration for practice-based learning. 

TMobiles and other digital inventions cause several distractions in modern life Learners are not secluded from such distractions, resulting in less retention power learning obstructions. 

By incorporating immersive learning modules in the higher education course curriculum, educators can help obstruct real-world disturbances. It will provide an undisturbed environment so that learners are completely focused on the learning sessions.

Immersive learning can be customized as per the learning ability of each student. That ensures every student has a unique learning experience, and the learning module can be modified by keeping in mind the potential and pace of learners.

Also, with the avatar creation feature offered by immersive learning platforms, students can cherish a personalized experience based on their requirements.

Also Read: What is eBook DRM and Why Do Publishers Need it?

Another vital benefit of immersive learning platforms is that they offer a risk-free learning environment to all learners. 

Educators can implement training or field trips to introduce new concepts and procedures through real-life scenarios. Exploring such scenarios in the digital space will ensure the learners’ safety and learning from mistakes.

Immersive learning platforms offer ground-breaking knowledge enhancement modules. By embracing such interactive modules, educators can contribute to designing highly interactive and engaging content for learners in higher education. 

The real-life scenarios and engaging simulations will hook learners’ attention throughout the learning sessions and help them grasp the concepts more quickly and effectively.

Educators and publishers can publish their interactive eBooks for higher education on KITABOO. It is a cloud-based digital textbook platform that takes care of your end-to-end publishing needs.

For more information, you can write to us at KITABOO@hurix.com.