16 Best Resources to Learn AR and VR Development in 2019

While making GeekForge — a daily listing of interesting coding tasks — we researched several sources where you can learn AR and VR development, and we thought it would be a good idea to share this list with you.

Augmented reality and virtual reality were a mystery to most people until Pokémon GO showed us how AR can expand gaming capabilities and how Oculus transformed the headset from a silly device into a limitless playground.

For now, entertainment seems to be the main use of this technology, but with time it will become more and more important for many other domains, such as surgical training, long-distance education, or military and space training. A successful implementation in any of these fields could make a significant dent in the history of technology use.

According to some recent studies, the few developers that had the courage to try AR and VR development are only treating it as a side hobby. For the technology to become mature enough to deal with the real problems of our society we need more dedicated people. I’d like to give you a hand in that direction and come with a hand-picked list of the best resources that not only would get you started but also could push you beyond the “just a hobby” stage.

1) Getting started with Augmented Reality at Coursera

This course will teach you the basics of developing mobile applications using Mixed and Augmented Reality (MAR) technologies.

2) Introduction to Augmented Reality and ARCore at Class Central

This class will teach you the fundamentals of augmented reality (AR) and how to build an AR experience using ARCore.

3) Daily email list of AR and VR coding tasks from GeekForge

You can solve tasks independently or discuss them with the community. It’s the best way to educate yourself on new technology while building a portfolio of your completed tasks at the same time.

4) A Beginner’s Guide to Augmented Reality with Unity at Udemy

Learn to create mobile AR applications with Wikitude by integrating ARKit and ARCore for iOS and Android.

5) AR & Video Streaming Services Emerging Technologies at Coursera

The objective of this course is to teach the all important technologies that are used in state-of-the-art AR, Skype, and YouTube vmultimedia products and services.

6) Internet of Things using Augmented Reality in Unity IoTAR at Udemy

This course teaches practical AR for Internet of Things using Vuforia and Unity on Particle Photon.

7) Introduction to Virtual Reality at Udacity

This course is designed for students who are new to virtual reality and want to learn about the principles of VR technology, including optics, displays, stereopsis, tracking, and major hardware platforms.

8) How Virtual Reality Works at edX

Learn how virtual reality technology works by writing simple VR programs with WebVR.

9) VFX and Virtual Reality Theory Basics at Skillshare

This theory course will help you get a good grasp on how VR ties into the visual effects (VFX) industry.

10) Virtual Reality Foundations at Lynda.com

Join 3D artist Craig Barr for an overview of virtual reality: what it is, where it’s used, and what’s in store for the future of VR.

11) Virtual Reality Overview for Developers at Lynda.com

In this course, learn how to start developing for VR. Michael House equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to tackle a number of different VR projects using Google VR for Android.

12) The VR Book: Human-Centered Design for Virtual Reality at Amazon

This book focuses on the human element of VR rather than the technical implementation.

13) Virtual Reality Insider: Guidebook for the VR Industry at Amazon

This book takes a practical approach describing the current landscape in VR with the different products and research going on in the space.

14) Virtual & Augmented Reality for 3D at LinkedIn

In this weekly series, 3D artist and expert Craig Barr explores the different kinds of immersive realities.

15) Creating Virtual Reality (VR) Apps at edX

Learn the tools and techniques to develop your own professional VR app in Unity 3D.

16) Virtual Reality TED Talks on YouTube

In these talks, you’ll find insights on how VR experiences are impacting training and development, healthcare, and even our own self-perception.

Virtual reality is an emerging technology. While many other technologies had found their experts in the early years, there is still room for developers to claim their spot in the fields of AR and VR. Do you want to be one of the experts in the field? You can start with a video course, a book, or by signing yourself up for the daily tasks on GeekForge. Time to get up and do something!