Imagine the experience of flying high above the Alps as if you were paragliding, exploring the wild jungle of Africa on a Safari, or being able to interact with a fantasy dragon as if it is your friend. The possibilities of augmented and virtual reality are seemingly endless, and we’re truly on the cusp of discovering a whole other dimension of the human experience as we have known it. 

When I first started to learn of these altered realities, the two seemed awfully similar, which they arguably are. However, they truly are quite different in how we define them and ultimately the differences in how we can utilize them for varying activities and learning tactics. Let’s baseline the differences:

-Augmented reality - the user experience is integrated with digital information via some kind of device (such as a smart phone) in real time, by utilizing the existing realizing and enhancing it.

-Virtual reality - the user enters an entirely new artificial environment in which they can experience the 3D world via a device such as a helmet with glasses.

As a capable and willing young adult, I still am amazed by my possibilities to experience elements of life I normally may not be able to and at the convenience of my home, or potentially some kind of public area these items are shareable. Now as I reflect on my excitement for younger kids to use these for educational and social interactive purposes, the possibilities then become even more vast and imaginative with the creative young minds who gravitate towards these new technologies. Further, as I see the young kids at Hospice of Hope in Copaceni and learn of their illnesses that restrict or could limit their life and abilities to experience life in a traditional way, the notion of using these technological tools to provide experiences and interactions they would never have otherwise experienced is quite remarkable. 

These kind of tools provide irreplaceable opportunities and enhance the lives and psychological well being of not only the children impacted by the varying illnesses, but also of their siblings and families who share in the joy. Broadening the appreciation and understanding, even during the opening demonstrations of Hospice of Hope, there were many well educated, informed adults, completely unaware of the opportunities in providing these services through technology. The augmented reality demonstration was fantastic to witness as the entire wall lit up with a dragon fairy tale scene. The tool is especially for some of the kiddos who may have challenges in social situations and interactions. If you are kind and gentle with the dragon, it responds well and is happy, staying close by so you can continue to play with it. However if you kick, hit or are not gentle, the dragon gives you chances to change to kind behavior but then runs away, cries, and demonstrates some fear if you continue acting against it. Though I have not seen as many kids interact with this just yet, the adults were fascinated with this interaction and could not  believe they could touch the dragon for a particular response. They loved discussing the opportunities they could imagine this bringing the center, and how special the devices and the space would be. 

New technologies and change will continue to impact us at exponential rates. We have all heard this and experienced it first hand to varying degrees. How we use the advancements and abilities is up to our creative powers. Think of things though the eyes of others - what is it that we can help provide? How can we make your life better? I am so blessed to work somewhere that does think of this, and who really is on your side. So now, as I continue to learn and grow, I reflect on how is it we in digital can better our members, agents, and overall communities with these amazing new technologies? There will never be one answer, but the conversations must continue, and I cannot wait to continue sharing my passions to do better, help more, and give back to the communities I am part of.