Mr Madkaiker leads products, strategy, and alliances at iXR Labs. As a young entrepreneur, he is engulfed with positive energy, and passion and was keen to create his own identity in the industry. He actively develops the iXR Labs product into an engaging educational experience while achieving specific educational goals. Further, he works closely with educational institutes and corporates to develop genuine cases and draw high-quality results. Having been deeply involved in the field of ed-tech, Mr Madkaiker strives to supplement and improve education using modern and cutting-edge technology.


What are the benefits and drawbacks of Virtual Reality learning compared to conventional learning, in your opinion?
While traditional classroom learning has been the norm for decades, VR has the potential to Revolutionize education by providing a more immersive and engaging learning experience. The benefits of VR learning includes:

Immersive learning experience: VR allows students to immerse themselves in a 3D environment that simulates real-life experiences. This provides a more engaging and interactive learning experience compared to reading from a textbook or watching a video.

Retention and recall: VR experiences can improve retention and recall of information. Students can interact with the content, which increases the likelihood that they will remember the material.

Personalization: VR allows for personalised learning experiences that cater to each student's needs and learning style. For example, students who struggle with reading can learn through interactive VR experiences instead.

Cost-effective: VR can reduce costs associated with traditional learning methods such as field trips or lab equipment. Instead, students can virtually visit locations or conduct experiments in a safe, controlled environment.

Accessibility: VR makes education more accessible to students who are unable to attend traditional classes due to physical limitations or remote locations. It can also be used to provide language immersion experiences to language learners.

VR has a lot of benefits but being a new concept in education, it possesses certain drawbacks as well like limited access and certain technical difficulties.

Furthermore, VR learning can be isolating and limit social interaction among learners, which can be important for building relationships and teamwork skills. It can cause motion sickness, eye strain, and other health risks for some learners, which can limit the amount of time they can spend in the virtual environment.

VR has a lot of benefits but being a new concept in education, it possesses certain drawbacks as well like limited access and certain technical difficulties.

Can incorporating Virtual Reality into the classroom help alleviate anxiety in students who struggle with traditional learning methods? If so, could you please elaborate on how this can be achieved?
Anxiety is a common issue among students, particularly those who struggle with traditional learning methods. Students may feel anxious due to a variety of reasons, such as social anxiety, performance anxiety, or test anxiety and this can affect their academic performance. Virtual Reality (VR) has shown potential in alleviating anxiety in students who struggle with traditional learning methods. It provides a 3D environment that allows students to confront anxiety-provoking situations in a way that is both immersive and interactive. It can help students build confidence in their ability to perform tasks and interact with others, which can translate into improved academic performance and overall well-being.

● Social Anxiety: VR can simulate social situations, such as group discussions or presentations, in a safe and controlled environment. Students can practise their social skills and build confidence in their ability to interact with others without the fear of being judged or rejected.

● Performance Anxiety: VR can simulate performance situations, such as public speaking or musical performances, in a controlled environment. Students can practise their skills and build confidence in their ability to perform without the fear of failure.

● Test Anxiety: VR can simulate test-taking situations, such as timed tests or exams, in a safe and controlled environment. Students can practise their test-taking skills and build confidence in their ability to perform well on tests.

"The use of VR technology has enabled students to explore complex concepts, engage in hands-on learning, and interact with digital content in a way that is not possible with traditional teaching methods. By bringing this technology to underprivileged areas, we have been able to bridge the digital divide and help to ensure that students in all areas have access to quality education."

Based on your personality type and core intellect, in your opinion, what study techniques do you recommend for individuals to thrive in a virtual reality learning environment?
To thrive in a VR learning environment, students with poor learning capabilities may need to adopt specific study techniques that cater to their needs. Some of these techniques include:

● Hands-On Learning: Hands-on learning involves actively engaging with the VR environment and using physical movements to interact with objects and information. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with traditional learning methods, as it allows them to learn through practical application rather than just reading or listening. In a VR environment, students can manipulate objects, experiment with different scenarios, and engage in simulations that promote hands-on learning.

● Interactive Learning: Interactive learning involves actively engaging with the learning material, rather than just passively absorbing it. In a VR environment, students can interact with the learning material through simulations, games, and activities that require their active participation. This can help to keep students engaged and motivated to learn, particularly those who struggle with attention and focus.

● Active Participation: Active participation involves taking an active role in the learning process, rather than just being a passive observer. In a VR environment, students can actively participate by asking questions, discussing concepts with peers, and taking part in group activities. This can help to promote a sense of community and collaboration, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with social anxiety.

● Time Management: Time management is an essential study technique for individuals to thrive in a VR learning environment. Students should allocate enough time for studying, completing assignments, and participating in group activities. They should also take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus. In a VR environment, students can use time management tools and apps to help them stay organised and manage their time effectively.

What do you consider to be your most outstanding accomplishment to date in your career as an edtech enthusiast and innovative entrepreneur?
As an edtech enthusiast and innovative entrepreneur, we consider our most outstanding accomplishment to date to be the opportunity to deliver state-of-the-art technologies and learning experiences through Virtual Reality (VR) to thousands of students, even in rural and semi-urban settings.

Over the past 2 years, iXRlabs have set up virtual labs in Rajasthan, India, in regions such as Bikaner, Kaladera, and Ajmer, in colleges and universities that were built 100 years back. There we have trained over 3000 students each through VR. This has allowed students who may not have had access to the same learning opportunities as those in more urban areas to experience immersive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences.

The use of VR technology has enabled students to explore complex concepts, engage in hands-on learning, and interact with digital content in a way that is not possible with traditional teaching methods. By bringing this technology to underprivileged areas, we have been able to bridge the digital divide and help to ensure that students in all areas have access to quality education. This accomplishment has been incredibly fulfilling for us and our team, as we have seen the positive impact that it has had on the students' learning outcomes, engagement, and motivation. It has also inspired us to continue to innovate and create more accessible and impactful learning solutions that can help to transform education for all.

Portray us of the upcoming Virtual Reality trends that will shape the Indian edtech market in 2023.
The Indian edtech market is poised for significant growth in 2023, with VR technology playing a vital role in shaping the market. In my opinion, the upcoming VR trends that will shape the Indian edtech market in 2023.

Increased Adoption of VR in STEM Education: VR technology has immense potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. With the increasing demand for STEM-related jobs, there will be a significant increase in the adoption of VR technology in the Indian edtech market in 2023.

Increased Adoption of VR in Industries: ogy to train their employees. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and aviation are already using VR to train their workforce. VR technology allows employees to train in a safe and controlled environment, without the risk of real-world consequences. This technology will be more widely adopted in the future, leading to increased demand for VR training modules.

Rise of VR-based Experiential Learning: VR technology can enable students to experience and interact with digital content in a way that is not possible with traditional teaching methods. In 2023, there will be a rise in VR-based experiential learning, which will allow students to learn through practical application and experimentation. This will provide students with a more engaging and memorable learning experience, leading to improved learning outcomes.

These trends are expected to have a positive impact on the industry by improving the quality of education and providing students with more engaging and interactive learning experiences.