Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for art education: The perceptions and responses of undergraduate students

The emergent culture of COVID-19 underscored a gap among generations with regard to their responses to new innovations in the education field. This article explores the educational potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for the secondary art curriculum through the perspectives and responses of undergraduate art students. The article examines the writing outcomes of a discussion board forum activity that I created to invite the students to share their responses to and reflections on the use of VR/AR technologies in visual art and art education. I share the students’ perspectives on VR/AR use for studio art making under the following three themes: (1) excitement about the new art medium, (2) strengths and risks and (3) educational potential for K‐12 curriculum integration. In discussing the students’ reflections, contemporary artists’ use of VR/AR is also explored as a resource for art educators. I end the article by providing suggestions for art educators interested in incorporating VA/AR into their art lessons.