Immersive Learning at Saint Mary's Orthodox College

In a world powered by technology and filled with distractions, capturing learners’ attention is easy, yet, keeping them engaged throughout the session remains the biggest challenge. Learners, more than ever, need a dynamic and engaging form of learning that goes beyond the traditional lecture-based approach and that would make the learning experience more productive and worthy.

Immersive learning is a new and innovative learning technique that has been gaining popularity in the recent years. It refers to a type of learning that is designed to be interactive and engaging, allowing learners to immerse themselves in real-world scenarios and learn specific techniques and skills in a safe artificial environment. It does not only eradicate distractions but also eliminates monotony in the process of learning by providing stimulating visualizations and bringing abstract learning to life. For example, learners might be able to experience a simulated historical event or explore a virtual environment by actively participating in the learning process and gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

At Saint Mary’s Orthodox College, we believe that a classroom goes far beyond its structured walls. Accordingly, we have been using the Virtual Reality (VR) technology, as one of the solutions to integrate immersive learning in the classrooms and to bring sceneries and objects to life making the users feel as if they are immersed in their surroundings.

Consequently, Intermediate and Secondary learners had the chance to virtually explore various places around the world without having to leave their classrooms. Equipped with VR headsets, Grade 10 learners visited the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt in the Social Studies sessions and enjoyed a wonderful trip while discovering the Great Sphinx of Giza. Another VR project was implemented with Grade 7 and Grade 8 learners as they visited NASA and became astronauts on a mission to explore space. Throughout this virtual tour, they discovered how NASA’s program facilitates the capability to transport humans to and from deep space and explored the planets and asteroids within our solar system. The astonishment they expressed when they returned to earth is inexplicable!

Additionally, Intermediate and Secondary learners are constantly using the VR Science Lab to learn chemical and physical concepts through engaging visualizations; one of the lessons was about atoms structure where they dived inside a pencil and a balloon and flew between their molecules and atoms to discover the difference between solids and gaseous substances at a molecular level.

Another solution for integrating the immersive learning technique in our school is using the Augmented Reality (AR) technology that adds digital elements to reality to enhance it. With the help of AR tools, preschoolers’ beautiful colorings, drawings, and handwritings are scanned and animated in 3D, spreading a spirit of excitement and happiness in the classroom. This technique is used to develop young learners’ fine motor skills in a captivating and enjoyable learning experience. Grade 4 learners have also used this technology in Geography where they scanned the AR World Map and traveled across continents in 3D to explore their various landscapes and monuments as well as discover their seasons, plants, and animals. Moreover, Elementary learners have used AR in Math to discover the 3D models of the main 2D geometrical shapes where they got a clearer visualization of their edges, faces, vertexes, etc. Several AR-based tools are also being used in different subjects at school, allowing learners to discover critical and abstract concepts in 3D.

Immersive learning has proved to have a positive impact on our learners’ motivation and engagement, which is critical to their long-term success in school and beyond. Therefore, Saint Mary’s Orthodox College constantly seeks to integrate new approaches to foster an active learning environment and inculcate in our learners the love of learning and the desire to continue exploring new subjects and topics.

Krystèl Yaacoub
Head of EdTech Department