Immersive technologies such as AR and VR have the potential to transform student learning in the K–12 classroom. They can help educators provide a hands-on approach to learning, accommodate students’ diverse needs and promote a sense of curiosity and wonder.

“In an ongoing quest to maintain students’ attention, new visualization and interaction tools are a natural fit,” says Eric Abbruzzese, principal analyst at ABI Research, in a press release for their “Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education” report.

Yet many schools still face barriers to adopting immersive technology, such as high hardware costs, according to the ABI report. “Head-mounted experiences provide the most immersive experiences possible but can be challenging when it comes to price and implementation,” the report notes.

By using smartphones as VR displays, immersive technology has become more affordable and accessible, according to a recent study published in the Education and Information Technologies journal.

For many schools, these mobile device–based solutions are a cost-effective option for providing similar immersive experiences.