Augmented & Virtual Reality Courses & Certifications Online

Virtual reality is a technology in which a real-looking environment is simulated through computers. These simulations can either be similar or completely different from the real world. In virtual reality, the aim is to involve the human brain in the virtual world. People around the world are investing their time in learning virtual reality courses. There are a number of virtual reality online courses that you can choose from. 

Virtual reality has three main types of simulations: non-immersive, semi-immersive and fully immersive. These are based on the intensity of the involvement of the human body in simulations. Non-immersive virtual reality allows users to have control over their physical surroundings while enjoying the simulation. Joystick or mouse is used for the same.

In semi-immersive simulations, there is increased involvement in virtual reality in comparison with non-immersive simulations. The most intense simulations are the fully immersive ones since the VR directly interacts with the user’s brain. There is a track of the user’s movement for improvising on the simulation.

Uses of Virtual Reality

There are many areas where virtual reality is put to use. Following are some of the real-life applications of virtual reality:

1. To treat patients with neurological disorders and PTSD
2. For performing remote surgeries
3. To train medical students
4. For a high-tech gaming experience
5. To train soldiers for harsh conditions without actually experiencing it
6. For enjoying places beyond reach or affordability 

Who should learn Virtual Reality? 

Anyone who wants to incorporate creative and technical skills can learn virtual reality. Following technical skills are required for learning virtual reality:

1. Basic coding
2. Programming languages such as JAVA, Swift, Objective-C, C++, 
3. Experience in VR operation tools and CAD
4. Knowledge of 3D Modelling Software 
5. Having UI UX practices
6. Knowledge of video games engines such as Utility and Unreal

Best Virtual Reality Courses in India

Several virtual reality courses can prepare you for different aspects of the field. There are courses that are meant for skills related to gaming. Certain courses help you in building app creations using virtual reality skills. Following are some of the best virtual reality courses available:

1. How to Design for Augmented and Virtual Reality 
2. Making Your First Virtual Reality Game 
3. Creating Virtual Reality (VR) Apps 
4. 3D Models for Virtual Reality 
5. Introduction to Virtual Reality by Goldsmiths, University of London 
6. 3D Interaction Design in Virtual Reality
7. Introduction to Virtual Reality 
8. React VR - Creating Virtual Reality Apps 

Top Virtual Reality Course Providers

Udemy, Coursera, edX, Udacity, FutureLearn and IIMCalcutta are some of the top virtual reality course providers. These vendors have a range of courses in VR. 

Virtual Reality-Based Job Opportunities 

Anyone who has learnt virtual reality can opt for one of the following job roles available such as Technical 3D Artist, Unity Developer, UX/UI Designer, VR Game Engineer, Graphics Engineer, Researcher, VR Sound Effects Specialist among other technical roles.

Top Recruiters For Virtual Reality Skilled People 

Since this skill has a lot of scope in the future, big names such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple, HTC, Siemens, Google, HP, Unity Technology, Oculus VR and Clemson are recruiting virtual reality skilled professionals

Free Resources To Learn More About Virtual Reality

There are many digital resources such as blogs and informative content websites that can be referred to gain information on virtual reality. 

1. Road to VR is a U.S. based news publication on augmented reality and virtual reality for the consumer VR industry.
2. VRScout is another virtual reality-based media publisher which covers news, projects and informative content on VR.
3. VR Fitness Insider focuses on the application of VR in healthcare including mental health, general health, motor skills among other aspects of health.
4. VRFocus is a website that focuses on VR entertainment and brings in news from Vive, Cardboard, VR Rift among others.
5. Hypergrid Business also covers different aspects of immersive technologies including virtual reality. This website also talks about artificial intelligence and is indexed by Google News. 

Books on Virtual Reality

Here are the top books that you can give a read to for learning more about virtual reality:

1. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality New Trends in Immersive Technology is a book written by M. Claudia tom Dieck, Timothy H. Jung, Sandra M. C. Loureiro which includes the latest research in immersive technologies and their applications in education, healthcare. tourism, marketing, etc.
2. When Virtual Reality Serious Games Meet Special Needs Education is a book based on the developments in virtual reality and serious applications for assisting children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. This book is co-authored by Cai Yiyu and Qi Cao.
3. Multimedia and Sensory Input for Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality Amit Tyagi has written this book that talks about the applications of virtual reality and augmented reality in various industries. 

Virtual reality is an ever-expanding skill to learn. It is going to stay for a long time and is only going to evolve over time. There are many applications of this skill that are yet to be explored. This is why choosing virtual reality will be beneficial for a successful career.