Reimagining the Art Classroom with a Lumination Learning Lab

Bringing Art and Design to Life with Extended Reality Education Technology in the Classroom

Visual arts and design are inherently engaging topics for discussion and study, eliciting strong emotional responses. But education needs to do more than discuss. It must actively engage, and this is where extended reality (XR) technology has a big role to play.

By bringing together augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), XR provides a wealth of benefits to educators and students alike:

• Improved levels of engagement among students 
• Enhanced inclusivity in the classroom, allowing all students to move towards shared learning outcomes
• Better support and a rewarding experience for teachers
• Optimised access to education, raising standards for students right across the country

Bringing XR Education Technology to Students Everywhere with Lumination Learning Labs

Deploying extended reality technology in the classroom isn’t some kind of far-off dream. It’s right within our grasp, thanks to solutions like the Lumination Learning Lab. Here are a few ways in which these Labs are shaping the future of education:

A Station-Based Format that Encourages Structured Learning

XR education technology really allows creativity to run wild, which is excellent for engaging students. However, it is focused and directed by the station-based structure of the Lumination Learning Lab. This helps educators achieve meaningful progress in lessons without disrupting student creativity.

Promoting Innovation and Artistic Expression

By immersing students in virtual or augmented reality environments, students can explore concepts in a hands-on way, leading to deeper understanding and the ability to express themselves artistically through various mediums. This interactive approach encourages students to apply their learning in different ways, leading to the development of problem-solving skills, new ideas and innovative solutions.

Building Social Engagement, Empathy, and Cooperation

Cooperation and collaboration have always been at the core of the Lumination Learning Labs project. By using XR technology in arts and design classes, as well as in other sessions, students are able to develop valuable empathy skills that will help them in their daily lives.

Tilt Brush offers Arts students unparalleled opportunities for self-expression and skill development in the realm of digital art.

Using the Lumination Learning Lab in Visual Arts and Design Classes

Visual arts and design classes lend themselves perfectly to Lumination Learning Lab solutions. XR education technology gives arts lessons new perspectives, allowing students to develop their skills and foster a life-long love of the subject.

Example XR Art and Design Education Lesson Plans

Our lesson plans are only scratching the surface of what is possible with the Lumination Learning Lab. Take a look at a few of the tools and experiences you can deploy within the Lab in your own Arts classrooms to elevate the learning experience.

Drawing and Creating

In a Lumination Learning Lab, VR experiences like Tilt Brush and Blocks by Google offer Arts students unparalleled opportunities for self-expression and skill development in the realm of digital art. Tilt Brush allows students to paint in three-dimensional space, using a virtual palette of colors and brushes to create immersive and dynamic artworks.

With its intuitive interface and gesture-based controls, Tilt Brush empowers students to experiment with form, texture, and perspective, encouraging them to explore new modes of expression and creativity. The collaborative features of Tilt Brush enable students to share their creations with peers, creating a supportive and interactive learning environment where artistic ideas can be exchanged and celebrated.

Similarly, Blocks by Google provides students with a powerful tool for 3D modeling and design, offering a library of pre-made shapes and tools for creating intricate virtual sculptures and environments. Whether constructing architectural models, character designs, or abstract compositions, students can unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills. 

By integrating these experiences into the arts curriculum, educators can empower students to experiment and develop their skills, while also fostering a deeper understanding of design principles, spatial relationships, and artistic expression in the digital age.

Blocks by Google provides students with a powerful tool for 3D modeling and design.

Music and Dance

Students use extended reality technology and immersive solutions to engage with musical compositions in new ways and then represent these compositions with their own visual creations.

Lyra VR is a musical composition application that supports students in creating their own audio works and inspires them to seek new perspectives on the process. The solution combines visual and aural elements to offer a wholly novel approach to soundscapes and musical development. With Lyra VR, students can experiment with sounds and compositions, create intricate loops and combine music sequences.

Space Dance Harmony presents an immersive VR dancing experience where students can engage with various musical styles through motion-based gameplay. By mirroring dance routines performed by virtual instructors, students develop their creative expression and spatial awareness.

In the arts classroom, Space Dance Harmony becomes a valuable asset, fostering artistic development through movement exploration, enhancing spatial understanding and coordination, and inspiring students to incorporate multisensory elements into their artistic creations. 

Space Dance Harmony presents an immersive VR dancing experience where students can engage with various musical styles through motion-based gameplay.

Art History and Culture

Virtual reality experiences like The Night Cafe: A VR Tribute to Vincent Van Gogh and Mona Lisa Beyond the Glass offer immersive journeys into the world of art history, making it a valuable tool in the arts classroom. Students can step directly into Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings or stand face-to-face with the Mona Lisa. This hands-on approach allows for a deeper understanding of artistic techniques, color theory, and the historical context surrounding these masterpieces. Students can also explore various perspectives and details that may be missed in traditional two-dimensional images, fostering critical thinking and observation skills.

Additionally, platforms like Google Arts and Culture provide an extensive collection of artworks and virtual tours of museums from around the world for students to view in their HHVR headsets. Teachers can utilize these resources to create virtual field trips, allowing students to explore diverse cultures and art movements without leaving the classroom. 

Interactive features such as guided tours, curated collections, and artist biographies enhance engagement and facilitate discussions on topics like symbolism, representation, and the evolution of artistic styles over time. By integrating VR technology and digital resources into arts education, educators can offer dynamic and enriching experiences that inspire creativity and a deeper appreciation for art history and culture.

The Night Cafe offer student an immersive journey into the world Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings.

3D Art Creation and Design

In the arts classroom, SculptrVR revolutionizes the way students engage with three-dimensional design by offering an immersive and intuitive sculpting experience. Students can mold virtual clay with natural gestures, allowing for a seamless transition from traditional sculpting techniques to digital creation. With its collaborative features, SculptrVR enables students to work together in real-time, fostering teamwork and peer learning as they sculpt and refine their 3D objects. This interactive approach not only enhances students’ spatial awareness and manual dexterity but also sparks their imagination, encouraging exploration and experimentation in the world of digital sculpture.

Edmersiv provides a dynamic platform for students to explore and create in three-dimensional space, offering a wide range of tools and features for designing and manipulating virtual objects. Whether crafting architectural models, sculptural compositions, or immersive environments, students can unleash their creativity and develop their design skills with ease. Through interactive tutorials and customizable environments, Edmersiv empowers students to learn at their own pace, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-directed exploration.

SculptrVR offers students an immersive and intuitive sculpting experience.

Exploring Visual Arts and Design in New and Exciting Ways

Discover how you can energise your students in visual arts and design classes with Lumination Learning Labs. Book your demo today.