Making XR Experiences Everyone Can Use

XR (like AR and VR) can make learning engaging and interactive. To reach all students, experiences should be affordable, easy to use, and reliable, even in schools with limited resources.

1. The AIMS Approach

Creating inclusive XR experiences involves following the AIMS philosophy: Accessible – can be used in a variety of school environments. Interactive – encourages students to experiment and explore. Mobile – works on widely available devices. Simple – easy for teachers and students to operate. This approach ensures that immersive learning is practical for diverse educational settings.

2. Using Everyday Materials

AR experiences can work without specialized equipment. For example, paper markers can be used to trigger 3D content, and mobile devices can display the interactive experience. This reduces the need for constant technical support while still providing hands-on learning opportunities.

3. Engaging Students with Interaction

Students learn best by doing. XR experiences can: Let students adjust variables in experiments. Show real-time results in a visual, immersive way. Guide students through interactive learning activities. This kind of engagement helps students understand complex concepts in a practical, memorable way.

4. Testing and Improving

Even simple XR experiences benefit from feedback. Small issues, like misaligned visuals, can be addressed to make the experience smooth and reliable. Careful testing ensures it works consistently across different devices and classroom conditions.

5. Towards Inclusive Learning

The goal is to make XR experiences that any educator can implement, enhancing STEM education without requiring significant investment or infrastructure. Interactive and mobile-friendly designs make immersive learning possible for all students, supporting more equitable access to quality education.