Powerful tool: XR empowers students to shape industry through their adaptability, creativity and eagerness to embrace innovation. – 123rf.com
ALTHOUGH education is a powerful tool for shaping the future, conventional education methods are no longer adequate to meet the changing needs of students and society.
Extended reality (XR), the metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) hold the key to unlocking new frontiers of education, ensuring learners are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic world.
Imagine wearing augmented reality glasses to assess building information systems at a construction site, putting on a virtual reality headset to study history in a simulated world of the Melaka Sultanate, learning about bones and muscles without cutting up cadavers, or exploring protein molecules without using a microscope – these are not mere concepts anymore.
Instead, they are actual XR adoptions that educational institutions are already implementing in their syllabi to transform various aspects of our lives.
These experiences push the thought processes and the possibilities of what learners can achieve in this day and age.
As we are at the precipice of a new era, younger generations of today will think of newer ways to create content, market their products, and even share their experiences with the help of immersive technologies and AI.
They can apply what they have learned, and align it with their interests and needs to see how technology can help their issues and challenges.
As educators, it is crucial to ask ourselves: Are our students equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving future that is shaped by emerging technologies such as XR, the metaverse and AI?
And equally important, is Malaysia positioned to be a nation that embraces innovation and pioneers new frontiers of knowledge in this digital age?Though the answer is yes, adopting these new emerging technologies comes with its own set of challenges and limitations.
Collaborative efforts among educational institutions, technology providers and policymakers are seen to be vital. Such collaboration can lead to the development of funding initiatives, streamlined processes and support structures that facilitate the seamless integration of XR into education.
By embracing XR, we empower students to be at the forefront of shaping industry through their adaptability, creativity and eagerness to embrace innovation.
Over time, XR and the metaverse will redefine how we live, work and socialise. Existing jobs such as digital marketing and film production are evolving to include XR in their workforce development.
Newer job positions such as immersive designers and AI engineers are also coming up, boosting business and employment opportunities for digital talents.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to address the valid concerns and scepticism surrounding emerging technologies.
While fear of job displacement and livelihood disruption persists, it is important to recognise that these technologies are not intended to replace but rather to empower us.
The onus now is on our society to shift its mindset and begin embracing XR, the metaverse and AI in education.
Educational institutions can act as the intermediary between industry and the schools as they can provide learners with a platform for experimentation in research and development.
This would then establish Malaysia as a nation that pioneers new frontiers of knowledge, embracing innovation in this digital age.
We no longer would be losing industry expertise to our neighbouring countries, as with the talent and expertise that we have, we would be the central hub of digital innovation for graduates to look inward instead of outward, fostering a better future for us all.
With more than 15 years of experience in the XR industry, Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil is an XR specialist at Taylor’s University’s Vortex XR Lab. As an immersive technology enthusiast, Faisal Athar manages projects and advocates the benefits of XR in the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
