Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that uses a Head Mounted Display (HMD) to deliver visually immersive digital environments separate to the physical world. While wearing an HMD (also called VR Goggles), you may look in any directions to see a persistent digital environment, which give you the feeling of being there. Usually, you will also use haptic hand controllers to interact with virtual objects and move around. For example, VR allows students to join an expedition to the Solar System or safely perform lab experiments without leaving their room or classroom.

Many of our clients have no previous experience with VR. We are here to assist you in your journey of exploring VR possibilities. We offer free consultation with no commitments. Arranging a call with us to discuss your institution’s needs is a great way to start. If you would like to purchase your own VR headset, please visit our VEDX Global Store.

HMD stands for a head-mounted display, and it is also often called a VR headset or VR goggles. It is a headset used with virtual reality systems. An HMD can be a pair of VR goggles or a full helmet. Once you wear your VR googles, in front of each eye you will have a tiny monitor which projects a computer-generated graphics of a virtual world. Because there are two monitors, images appear as surrounding and three-dimensional. In addition, VR goggles include a head tracker so that the system can respond to head movements. For example, if you turn your head, the images will simultaneously rotate to make it seem as if you are looking at different angle, giving the virtual world a very realistic appearance.

AR stand for augmented reality. This technology adds digital elements and objects to the real world. It keeps the real world central but enhances it with digitally generated elements layering new strata of perception. You can use a smartphone, tablet, or computer desktop to engage with AR elements. For example, AR allows students and teachers to create and interact with virtual 3D models and objects or add dynamic visualizations to a written word.

MR stands for mixed reality. Mixed reality technology allows the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations. It can involve various forms of VR and AR elements, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.

XR stands for extended reality, where ‘X’ represents a variable for any current or future spatial computing technologies. It is a term used to describe immersive technologies that combine all forms of virtual and physical worlds and environments, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR) and the technologies yet to come.

While VR has a completely immersive digital environment, augmented reality (AR) is considered to have individual or multiple digital items placed in real/material reality through a camera. Unlike VR, AR may be used either through a smartphone app or an HMD. AR is also used effectively for education or gaming, but it does not offer the immersion of VR. Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes VR, AR, and everything in between. The term XR exists because VR and AR use related technologies such as HMDs although the use cases will not always be the same.

Metaverse is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the Internet. The word “metaverse” is made up of the prefix “meta” (meaning beyond) and the stem “verse” (a backformation from “universe”); the term is typically used to describe the concept of a future iteration of the internet, made up of persistent, shared, 3D virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe.

Yes, fully immersive VR experience is only accessed through HMDs. However, there are many apps, especially multiuser apps, which are cross-platform. Being cross-platform means that people use more than one type of hardware to access it, including: a VR HMD, PC, phone, or tablet. Generally, users of multiuser apps can interact regardless of their hardware. When learning about an app check if it is VR Only, which means you can only access it through an HMD, or VR Supported, which means it has some cross-platform functionality.

WebXR refers to VR or AR content available through a web browser. This content can also be viewed on a two-dimensional screen of your computer desktop or a tablet. Although webXR on those devices does not offer a fully immersive experience, it can be accessed without a VR headset. For example, in addition to VR/XR experiences, many of our partners’ content is also available through webXR.

Immersive Learning places individuals in an interactive learning environment, either physically or virtually, to replicate possible scenarios or to teach particular skills or techniques. Simulations, role play, and virtual learning environments can be considered immersive learning. Immersive learning has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of learning. VR-based learning is a great example of a virtual form of immersive learning and shows an impressive retention rate of 75%, beating out lectures (5%), reading (10%), and audio-visual learning (20%) (FrontCore, 2020).

To learn more about the most recent research on immersive technologies visit our Research webpage and to stay updated on the industry insights follow us on LinkedIn.

Immersive Learning Research Network identified six key opportunity areas in learning that XR may help fulfill over the next 3 years. These are:

Facilitating Authentic Learning Experiences
Empowering Learners as Creative Designers and Makers
Integrating Immersive Storytelling in Learning
Integrating Immersive Learning in STEM
Fostering Collaboration with Social VR and Other XR Technologies
Cultivating Immersive and Blended-Reality Learning Spaces and Laboratories
Developing the Capabilities of the Future Workforce.

VEDX partners with top global software companies to develop highly engaging and interactive learning experiences.

Yes, VEDX has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since January 2021. Here you can find the company profile.

Yes, VEDX has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since January 2021. Here you can find the company profile.