Why AR & VR are Beneficial in Education

When it comes to education, one thing is for sure—technology is rewriting how students learn in the classroom. And we aren’t just talking about iPads and apps. We’re talking about the incredible benefits of AR and VR technologies in education.

These innovations (augmented reality and virtual reality) are creating new possibilities for students to connect with their lessons in ways that were once unimaginable. More than just being tools for video gamers or tech enthusiasts, they’re game changers for education too. 

Intrigued? Polygence is a platform where students can work with mentors to explore cutting-edge tech like AR and VR. 

Understanding AR and VR in Education

Not everyone is a tech expert, and that’s okay! Here’s the scoop on the benefits of AR and VR in education:

What are AR and VR?

AR (Augmented Reality) brings digital elements into the real physical world around you—imagine pointing your phone at a science diagram and watching a human heart start beating in 3D right on your coffee table. Cool, right? 

VR (Virtual Reality), on the other hand, provides an interactive teaching opportunity that immerses users in a completely digital world. An example of how VR might be used in the classroom is to allow students to "step into" a virtual ancient Roman city, interacting with its architecture and citizens as if they were walking through streets thousands of years ago. 

The key difference? AR keeps one foot in the real world, enhancing it, while VR whisks you away into a 360-degree virtual realm. Both have unlimited potential to turn even the driest topics into something interactive, engaging and, dare we say, exciting.  

What are the benefits of AR in education?

AR might sound fancy, but the way it benefits students’ education is relatively straightforward. 

First off, it helps keep kids engaged. Anyone can agree that moving a 3D virtual molecule around on your tablet is way more fun than staring at diagrams in a book. AR actively captures attention. When students are paying attention, they actually absorb information and retain knowledge better. 

But that’s not all. AR technology makes tricky concepts easier to grasp, turning classrooms into immersive learning environments. Not everyone "gets" abstract ideas like planetary orbit or photosynthesis by just hearing a teacher’s explanation. 

AR offers practical, visual learning experiences that simplify difficult topics. And here’s the kicker—it’s accessible. Kids can travel to Ancient Egypt or explore the galaxy without leaving their desks. And sometimes, that realistic interaction with the educational content is all it takes to spark a real interest in learning. 

What are the advantages of AR and VR?

AR and VR grab students’ attention, but they also deeply impact the way lessons are taught in the classroom. For example, personalized learning. We all know that kids learn at their own pace, and guess what? AR and VR technology can adapt to that. These tools can be tailored to meet every student’s needs, whether they're speeding ahead or taking their time to master a subject. 

Students also get to experience hands-on experimentation without the risks. Want to "mix chemicals" in a virtual lab without risking an explosion? Totally doable. This hands-on model makes even the trickiest concepts feel less intimidating. 

Pair that with the fact that AR and VR open the door to global collaborations with remote learning, and suddenly students in entirely different countries are tackling projects together. And yes, they can access all the benefits of AR and VR in education all without having to leave their living rooms. 

What is the main benefit of using VR in teaching and learning?

If AR is great for visualizing things, VR’s superpower is full-on immersion. It doesn’t just show you lessons—it throws you right inside one. For teachers, VR is like a holy grail for experiential learning. 

Picture a medical student practicing life-and-death surgery skills on a virtual patient. Or an aspiring engineer building and testing bridges in a VR environment long before touching actual materials. 

Besides being incredibly hands-on, VR lessons also inspire kids to get completely invested in their education, because, frankly, who doesn’t love an interactive experience over just passively absorbing information? 

What effect do AR and VR have on students' performance?

Here’s what parents really need to know—believe it or not, both AR and VR are proving to uplift academic performance and student knowledge. 

Studies show these technologies lead to better test scores and improved memory recall. Why? Because active learning participation sticks in our brains better than endless pages of notes. Students aren’t just listening; they’re doing, and that’s where the magic lies. 

More than improving student engagement, using these tech tools sharpens skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. 

If they’re navigating a VR escape room that mimics a physics problem or using AR to craft a virtual chemical structure, they’re learning with intention—not zoning out halfway through. This is beneficial for any student, regardless of whether their plans involve college or the workforce after graduating from high school.

Real-World Applications of AR and VR in Education

This all sounds amazing, but how are these tools being used in real-world classrooms? The possibilities of education enhancement are endless and include:

Virtual Field Trips 

Imagine your kid touring Pompeii, the Great Barrier Reef, or even Mars—all from their seat. Travel restrictions? Doesn’t matter. VR technology makes it happen. 

STEM Education

AR is helping kids break down STEM topics like robotics, molecular science, and even physics simulations. Seeing concepts visually play out beats staring at equations any day. 

Medical Training

Aspiring doctors can skip the stress of real hospitals, practicing surgeries or treatments in virtual simulations where they can make mistakes safely. 

Language Learning

VR can transport students to conversational settings with native speakers. It’s immersive, intuitive, and way less boring than an average language app. 

Digital Art

For students looking to expand their creative expression, augmented and virtual reality provides access to a new artistic medium. Practice 3D sculpting, cleaning-free painting, or other AR art projects in a virtual space. VR can transport students to conversational settings with native speakers. It’s immersive, intuitive, and way less boring than an average language app. 

How Polygence Helps Students Explore AR & VR

For parents whose kids are into emerging tech like AR and VR, Polygence is an innovative mentorship platform that can truly make a difference in education. 

Polygence matches kids with mentors who are pros in these fields. Got a teen with an idea to create a VR tour of ancient Greece or an AR-based learning tool? Polygence can help them make it happen. 

The focus is on project-based learning—think less theory, more action. From crafting a finished product to publishing research papers, these kids walk out of Polygence with polished skills and something real to show for it. 

Check out Polygence Pods for a closer look at how student-led ideas come to life in condensed, intensive learning segments.

How Parents Can Support Their Children’s AR & VR Interests

If your kid is all about AR and VR, you can encourage their budding passion by nurturing curiosity—leave the door open for them to explore augmented reality projects and educational opportunities outside a regular curriculum. 

Look into investing in tools that support these technologies, like AR/VR headsets or related software. Many of these are affordable now, especially as interest in AR and VR technology grows. Most importantly, connect them to opportunities like Polygence’s mentorship programs, where they’ll get to work closely with professionals in emerging fields. 

How Students Can Get Started with AR & VR Projects

It’s surprisingly easy for students to get their feet wet with AR and VR. Encourage them to focus on areas they’re passionate about—whether that’s history, STEM, or even arts. From there, they can begin researching ways these tools can work within their chosen field. 

Setting achievable goals can give the direction of their efforts, while mentorship programs like Polygence can elevate their potential. For example, Polygence guides students on how to create actual projects like an AR anatomy app or VR simulation for renewable energy farming. Point them to our Project Idea Generator for a kickstart. 

Glean AR & VR Learning Benefits with Polygence

It’s no secret that AR and VR are reshaping classrooms. From fun, engaging learning experiences in augmented reality pre-college programs to real-world skills your child will carry forward, the benefits are clear. Combined with expert mentorship from Polygence, your child can take their learning beyond passive online courses into something truly impactful. 

Why wait? Keep your child ahead of the curve. Learn more about how Polygence is flipping the script on education and more about the benefits of AR & VR in education. Check out Polygence’s Research Mentorship Programs and jumpstart their AR/VR adventure today.