Real-time 3D (RT3D) is redefining interactive content. This technology is no longer limited to the field of video games, but now plays a key role in industries as diverse as architecture, medicine, automotive, aerospace and film.
The demand for developers, programmers, and artists familiar with Unity—the leading platform for creating and running real-time 3D content—is growing rapidly. As use cases expand and the much-discussed metaverse takes shape, educators today have the opportunity to prepare their students for tomorrow’s technology careers.
Real-time 3D is the future
Real-time 3D is a technology that creates three-dimensional models, environments, and complete virtual worlds that can be rendered instantly. This content goes well beyond traditional formats such as film, television and print because it is not static; it is both immersive and interactive. And it offers incredibly lifelike graphics while giving users precise and immediate control over their experience. In this way, RT3D creates endless possibilities for media production and engagement.
RT3D technology has long been the backbone of video game development, allowing developers to build anything they can imagine responsive to player input. Look, jump, crouch, explore and interact – RT3D makes these immersive experiences possible. Once content is created, it can be delivered to mobile devices, computers, consoles, AR/VR headsets, and a variety of other platforms to reach their audiences.
While video games largely represent the beginnings of RT3D, the market for this technology is growing rapidly. Countless other industries use their potential and drive the demand for development skills at full speed. Whether for the creation of virtual or augmented reality experiences, film special effects, medical simulations, architectural models or product models, RT3D has now gained a foothold in almost every industry.
RT3D also represents the fundamental building blocks of the Metaverse: the next generation of the internet, always real-time and primarily 3D, interactive and social. As we enter this new era of online connectivity and virtual economies, the developers of RT3D are at the forefront.
Teach for tomorrow’s job market
Many parents want their children to study computer science. In the United States, however, it is taught in just over half of high schools. We have made it our mission to close this educational gap.
The need for real-time 3D development skills across all industries is growing exponentially and shows no signs of slowing down. As the leading platform for building immersive experiences, Unity is becoming increasingly important for technical and creative roles alike.
Beyond expanding potential career paths, RT3D development skills also open doors to significantly higher earning opportunities, regardless of location, and the demand for such skills will continue to grow. AR, VR, and game developer salaries are much higher than the national average salaries in the US and UK.
Bring RT3D into your classroom
Unity offers numerous tools and resources to help teachers engage students of all ages in real-time creation. Our educational resources also emphasize differentiated instruction that allows students to move at different speeds. Some may come to your class with knowledge they already have, while others may take a little longer to reach their learning goals. Allowing students to customize their learning and explore projects that interest them will ensure they retain new information while having fun. Ultimately, the goal is to equip students with 21st-century skills that will lead them to rewarding careers.
If you’re concerned about being held back in class as a Unity newcomer, we encourage you to experiment, problem-solve, and learn with your students. The following resources are designed to give educators everything they need to accomplish this, regardless of their own level of Unity proficiency.
learn unit
Unity Learn is our free online education platform with over 750 hours of on-demand learning content for Unity creators of all skill levels. There you’ll find well-structured courses and tutorials on a range of Unity-related topics, as well as expert-led live sessions, practice projects, and more. The Learn platform is the starting point for anyone looking to grow their Unity skills, and its content can be leveraged to help you achieve your learning goals in the classroom.
Unity Learn Hub for educators
The Educator Hub on Unity Learn is a one-stop library of free educational resources including professional development courses, curriculum, lesson plans, scope and sequencing, alignment to standards (including ISTE), and more.
Build with Code is just one of the free courses available through the Educator Hub, designed specifically for secondary school students. The course makes learning to program in C# exciting and fun, taking learners from Unity beginners to skilled developers through prototyping, coding challenges, quizzes, and creating a unique personal project.
Unit EdLab
Unity EdLab’s cloud-based development platform makes it easy to bring quality RT3D and computer science instruction to secondary school classrooms without the need for expensive hardware. Equip your students to solve problems, communicate creatively, and create their own gaming innovations in ways that capture their imaginations. And enjoy access to an educator portal with lesson plans, tutorials, activities, and other resources.
Getting started
When you’re ready to integrate Unity into your classroom and make students successful, you first need access to the Unity editor. Free individual and classroom licenses are available, allowing educators and students to start creating all kinds of real-time experiences.
- Student plan: an individual license for students to learn Unity on their PCs.
- Educator Plan: An individual license for educators to run Unity on their own computers for personal projects and lesson preparation.
- Education Grant License: A multi-seat license for teaching Unity in classrooms or institutional computer labs.
Once you have the Unity Editor up and running, you can begin using the Unity Learn Educator Hub and the other resources available to immerse your students in the exciting world of real-time development.
Need help? Contact our education team for support as you begin your Unity education journey.
