What If Learning Felt More Like an Experience?

For many students, learning is most impactful when it feels real, interactive, and immersive; it should go beyond textbooks and slideshows to draw them into the material. Extended Reality (XR)—which includes Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR)—is transforming education by making learning more engaging, accessible, and dynamic. While often associated with gaming, XR is proving to be a powerful tool across disciplines.

As technology continues to shape classrooms, faculty have an opportunity to rethink how they engage students. Could immersive experiences help students grasp complex topics, explore historical events, or better connect with campus? These recent examples showcase how XR is already reshaping learning—and how UBalt is part of this shift.

• At SXSW EDU, experts discussed how XR supports neurodivergent students by creating adaptable learning environments. For students with ADHD or autism, virtual spaces can remove distractions, enhance focus, and personalize learning. Imagine students in a law or business class practicing professional skills in a low-stakes, interactive environment before applying them in real-world settings.
• XR is also transforming history education. Another SXSW EDU session demonstrated how AR can bring Holocaust survivor stories to life, helping students interact with primary sources in ways that deepen emotional and intellectual engagement. Educators in the humanities could consider how interactive storytelling tools might enhance their own instruction.
• A recent Inside Higher Ed article highlighted how the University of Miami’s UMverse VR platform allows students to explore their campus and city virtually, creating a sense of connection even for those who cannot be there physically. This kind of immersive engagement could be especially impactful at UBalt, where many students juggle work, family, and other responsibilities.

UBalt’s Simulation and Game Design program has already been at the forefront of interactive digital learning for years. Students in the program develop simulations, training programs, and interactive media that mirror real-world applications. While traditionally linked to game design, these skills are becoming valuable in business, law, healthcare, and public policy. These tools now have more potential than ever before to bridge gaps in engagement and access. Could XR be used to help new students explore Baltimore, navigate UBalt’s campus, or connect with faculty and peers before setting foot in a classroom? Could simulations be used to teach ethics, practice crisis response, or visualize complex data in new ways? 

With XR technology becoming more accessible, these possibilities are no longer limited to specialized fields. Now’s the time to rethink how we engage students and enhance learning. Even small changes, such as 360-degree video, digital simulations, or interactive storytelling, can help students connect with material in new and meaningful ways. As the conversation around XR in education continues, what role could these technologies play in your classroom?