[sanityUnbounded]

I think you are right. But while I think AR/VR is good for the types of research you mentioned at first glance, I have not seen any comprehensive prototype for working with elementary mathematics in 3D space taught in schools. So I hope you are wrong, and there is room for a hands on/physical type of math.

If something comes out that can help students who struggle with math visualize those concepts in a more (to them) natural way I will be thrilled. To me these concepts were always very visual, and allowed me to pick up concepts in class by thinking that way. I only have experience in the U.S. education system, and in my experience it felt that my teachers always taught in a way that emphasized problem memorization and notation over actually understanding, mentally, the abstract concepts and problem solving. This seems like a barrier for the average student, and leaves a lot of people feeling left behind or "not smart" even though it is likely a fault in the way they are taught.

If something comes out that will allow those mental barriers to be broken, I will consider it a win.