As we approach 2025, the lines between physical and digital realities are blurring, thanks to advancements in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies, collectively known as Extended Reality (XR). Digital literacy is expanding to include competency in navigating and creating within these immersive environments.
XR is no longer confined to gaming and entertainment. It’s being increasingly used in education, healthcare, business, and social interaction. Students are attending virtual field trips, medical professionals are using AR for complex procedures, and businesses are conducting meetings in virtual spaces. As such, understanding how to interact in these environments is becoming a crucial digital skill.
Digital literacy curricula are evolving to include topics such as spatial computing, 3D modeling, and XR interface design. Students are learning how to create and manipulate virtual objects, understand the principles of immersive storytelling, and navigate the ethical considerations of XR technologies, such as privacy in virtual spaces and the potential for sensory manipulation.
Moreover, as XR devices become more ubiquitous, there’s a growing need for users to understand how to protect their privacy and security in these new digital realms. This includes being aware of the data collected by XR devices and understanding the potential risks of deep fakes and other manipulated XR content.
The challenge for educators and learners in 2025 will be to keep up with the rapid advancements in XR technology while ensuring that XR literacy is accessible to all, regardless of economic status or technical background. As XR becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the ability to confidently navigate and create in these immersive digital environments will be a key component of digital literacy.