Towards a Competency-Based Method for Designing Virtual and Augmented Reality Environments that Support the Needs of Elementary School Classrooms

Currently, traditional teaching, mainly in public elementary schools remains unidirectional, with teachers transmitting knowledge and students limited to passive listening and acquiring information. This has led to the need for developing new strategies that adapt educational models and enhance student learning through the use of facilitating tools. This paper presents the design of a method that utilizes virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to strengthen classroom learning. The different phases of the proposed method are described, aiming to be used both in the classroom and at home, adapting to the constant changes in the current educational environment. The method proposal focuses on educational competencies within the classroom and leverages VR and AR technologies to provide new opportunities for improvement in elementary school students’ learning. The goal is to offer an immersive, interactive, and personalized learning experience that can enhance students’ motivation and engagement, as well as strengthen their understanding and retention of key educational concepts. Furthermore, with the use of VR and AR tools in the classroom, it will be possible to personalized learning to accommodate the individual needs of each student, promoting an inclusive and diversified approach where students can learn at their own pace and according to their preferred learning styles. As a result of this work, the stages of the proposed method are presented, oriented towards the educational competencies associated with learning that can be developed through the proposed VR and AR applications.