In today’s society, there is no denying that the use of technology has been increasing. Its benefits are tremendous and have facilitated the growth and development of our society at a rapid pace. Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information, such as sounds, videos, and graphics, on top of the real-world environment. On the other hand, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer programs that can do tasks and solve problems that usually require human intelligence. These tasks include visual perception, speech recognition, and decision making.

The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

Today’s colleges and universities face a wide range of challenges, including disengaged students, high dropout rates, and the ineffectiveness of a traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to education. But when big data, predictive analytics and AI are used correctly and ethically, personalized learning experiences can be created, which may help resolve some of these challenges.

[Learn more about predictive analytics on The Student Loan Podcast]

Though it is still in its early stages, through the use of Artificial Intelligence, your college or university can gradually change for the better. The introduction of AI can facilitate a more sophisticated and immersive learning experience and enhance human thinking.

Artificial Intelligence can be an effective way to help colleges, and universities offload time-intensive administrative and academic tasks, make IT processes more efficient, boost enrollment in a climate of decline, and deliver a better learning experience for students. Introducing these new technologies creates the foundation for a smart campus. Interestingly, several campuses are already seeing these improvements.  

Currently, colleges and universities are using Artificial Intelligence to handle primary management, including tasks such as marketing, recruitment, admissions, determining financial aid, and answering common questions from accepted students. AI is also used to analyze the data collected in Learning Management Systems and other academic data repositories to improve advisement and retention.

The Benefits of Augmented Reality 

Immersive technologies such as augmented reality can significantly improve students’ learning experiences by helping them understand theoretical concepts more easily.  Students are granted the opportunity to become more engaged in learning through simulated experiences.

Instructors can use AR gear to immerse their students in new learning environments. Concepts that are usually hard for students to grasp when explained verbally are made more apparent when visually experiencing it.  Research has even shown that augmented reality has benefits for individuals with disabilities, which can be applied to education to create a more inclusive experience.

Here are a few examples of how various student groups can benefit from augmented reality:

• Architecture students can build a house and model conditions to see how it withstands wind or hail.

• Rather than using sketches and models, theatre production students can utilize a custom-design augmented reality app to design their full-scale scenery, providing them with an immersive AR experience on an empty stage.

The Future of Higher Education

Since the start of the pandemic, students globally have been introduced to e-learning. Global adaptation of technology through education is changing the ways students are able to learn. 

The introduction of AI to students in higher education will improve their learning processes by tailoring studies according to a student’s particular needs, thus increasing their efficiency.

It will help to produce smart content such as customized digital lessons, information visualization and learning content updates. Universities will also see AI contributing to task automation which will make administrative tasks less tedious and time-consuming.

The future of universities that employ the use of augmented reality will see an increase in engagement and interactions from students because of the application of additional sensory skills. 

The use of augmented reality as a teaching tool is expected to increase learner achievements and boost enrollments. AR fosters creativity and is a great aid that instructors can use to create a more innovative learning experience while helping students to grasp abstract concepts.

Still Not Convinced?

More higher education institutions have been adding augmented reality and artificial intelligence to their offerings. For example, Texas A&M University has made AR and VR part of the educational culture and provides students and faculty with extensive resources for VR exploration and creation.

Additionally, the expected investment in AR and VR educational applications by 2025 is approximately $700 million. University of West Florida, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of California and The Ohio State University are among several universities that offer programs featuring artificial intelligence to their students.

The Future is Now

Education is constantly growing and evolving Techrow is a highly efficient e-learning solution explicitly designed for teachers and can be accessed across all devices. Techrow is dedicated to helping them build interactive courses that will motivate their students to learn. 

The Future of artificial intelligence and augmented reality will change the face of education and impact industries such as health care and business. Technology is increasing every day, creating new ways to make our lives easier.

We challenge you to step into the future and keep your university alive! 

While you consider how augmented reality and artificial intelligence can benefit your university, join the StartNoo movement to increase enrollment, retention and donor engagement with service-based scholarships.