Augmented Reality in Education
Decades ago, you could only study the human skeletal system through video, images or real-life anatomical models. Now, you can project a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of the human body skeleton right within your class. This is just one of the numerous ways that augmented real-time technology has transformed teaching and learning.
Let's take a deep dive into the use of augmented reality for education as well as the many practical use cases. We'll cover:
- What are the implications of augmented reality for education?
- What are the benefits of Augmented Reality in the classroom?
- Applications of augmented reality for education
- Augmented reality vs. Virtual reality
- Practical guidelines for implementing augmented reality in classes
- Augmented reality does not substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning
- FAQs
What are the implications of augmented reality for education?
Augmented Reality in Education (AR) involves bringing digital technology into a physical class to aid students understand real-life concepts better. It doesn't replace reality; rather, it helps learners and instructors visualize otherwise abstract and obscure concepts.
Imagine that you're educating students on how the sun works. Instead of discussing the solar system, you decide to bring in an Holographic projector. This projector can show the sun and all the planets that orbit around it in 3D right at the center of your class. You can make the planets smaller or larger, turn them around, and even close in on details.
It allows students to understand the scale and arrangement of the solar system in a manner that's much more engaging and deep than conventional drawings or diagrams. Instead of simply reading the pages of a book, scanning photos or viewing videos, learners can engage through the solar system on a real-time basis and actually see how everything is interconnected.
What are the benefits of augmented reality in education?
We'll look at a few benefits of incorporating Augmented Reality into your education environment.
It enhances accessibility in classrooms
Learn about solar systems in our course, for instance. Here's how you can use AR for different learning styles:
- Visual learners: Make use of an AR application that displays an enlarged model of solar systems into the classroom. Visual learners are able to see all the planets that orbit the sun, look at their size in relation to each the other, and witness events like eclipses and planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: discuss important details about the planets -including its distinct features and composition -- during the time that the AR model is running.
- Reading students : Provide supplementary texts or reading overlays within the app, including planet-related information, trivia, and historical discovery.
- Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners interact with the solar system virtual by using gestures, touch or motion controls. For example, students can "grab" objects, move them about, and then adjust their orbits.
This creates a more inclusive learning environment, which allows students to learn according to their own schedule and in a manner which best fits their particular needs. Every student will be included regardless of how they learn.
It helps students grasp complicated concepts
If you've never looked at an onion before and you've seen someone spend long hours describing what it looks like it's possible that you don't comprehend what the word is. The visual representation, but, it makes it more comprehensible.
Augmented reality can be even more effective. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. They can, for instance, zoom into the virtual onion to observe its texture closely. Additionally, they could "peel off" every layer in order to view the onion's internal structure.
At the end of the course, students should know what an onion is, and be able to describe it in the same way as someone who has seen an actual onion.
Applications of augmented reality in the field of education
Now that you have a clear understanding of the concept of AR and the benefits it offers, let's take a take a look at some ways to integrate AR into the classroom.
AR in STEM
The HTML0 format has two main AR uses for STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation, and problem-based simulation.
A simulation based on questions
It is done by the use of AR software to help create abstract scenarios and concepts so that they are easier to study and discover. It provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of complicated subjects.
The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app provides a fantastic example. It lets students create interactive 3D models of geometric shapes when they work on equations. The students can zoom into various areas of the shape, and alter its shape according to the equation.
It allows students to learn mathematical concepts in a hands-on method.
Problem-based simulation
Make use of AR to create real-life situations that demand problem-solvingeither in groups or within a self-directed setting.
One good model is AR Circuit. It's an interactive model that lets students connect circuit boards online. Students can play around with various conductors and settings and see how these changes affect the operation of an electrical circuit.
On the basis of what motivated the app, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born from the need to bridge the gap between equipment and Zambian schools, specifically for Chemistry and Physics classes.
AR and History and Art
The most significant application for augmented reality in history is the immersive learning. Augmented reality can assist in reliving historical events to make interactive learning more enjoyable.
One app that does this really well one app that does this very well Living History, which is mostly used in museums for self-guided tours. It evokes the ghosts of characters from the past that recreate exactly what happened in the past.
Imagine you're in the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking at notes and pictures the museum is a walkthrough of ghostly images of soldiers fighting -- with the landscape and trenches of the battlefield.
Other examples of AR in the fields of art and history are:
- Digital graffiti which allows learners to design beautiful graffiti while not damaging walls. There are numerous mobile apps for this, including Vandaleak as well as Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art creation which allows students to convert sketches and drawings into 3D art pieces that they can interact with. Say a student draws the outline of a house. They can transform it into a real-life housing structure and place it wherever they want using FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art shows right in the classroom. Students are able to use Artivive to design stunning AR artwork for free.
AR in medicine
Augmented reality can be used to aid in scenarios in medical education. Simulations based on case involve providing learners with a complex scenario that mimics a real-life situation they might encounter in their careers. They are able to apply their skills practically and develop core competencies for working in the real world.
One good instance is AccuVein an image-based vein visualization device. It uses augmented reality to show images of the patient's veins onto their skin, which helps doctors locate veins easily and accurately.
Medical students can make use of the AccuVein device to learn how to identify veins on a model patient. AccuVein provides instant feedback, helping students improve their precision and accuracy.
Augmented Reality vs. virtual reality
Virtual reality and Augmented Reality can be used interchangeably but they mean different things. Here's a quick comparison table that shows how these technology compete against each other.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Integrates digital information with reality | Injects users into a completely virtual environment |
| Interaction with the real world | Digital content overlays on the real world | replaces the real world with a digital one |
| Immersion level | Partial Immersion | Full immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Devices | tablets, smartphones Smart glasses, tablets | Head-mounted display (HMDs) VR headsets, Head-mounted displays |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulations |
Let's look at a few of these differences further.
Definition
Augmented Reality overlays digital content onto the actual world in order to make it easier for people to get a better understanding of it. Virtual reality, however, doesn't communicate with reality. Instead, it immerses the learner in an entirely digital universe.
Examples
If you're educating students about how the body works. Through VR, you'll be able to make an experience that is immersive, where the learners are transported inside the human body, allowing them to see its internal workings. They can interact with different organs, zoom to view the details of each organ, and even witness how each organ functions in real-time. This makes for a highly engaging and immersive environment for the students to learn in.
However using AR it is possible to look up a text book page on the human heart. You can then see an 3D representation of the heart on high up on the page. The students can interact with the model, examine its various parts and observe how they function in relation to the other organs. Students can also be able to see the textbook beneath, which creates a more mixed learning environment.
Cost
Augmented reality is generally cheaper than virtual reality as it uses smaller equipment.
With AR generally, you only need a smartphone or tablet along with an AR app to get started. Most AR apps for education have plans that are free -- with the paid plans starting at 100 or less.
On the other hand VR requires an expensive headset which could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In the case of Meta, for instance, their Quest 3 VR headset costs about $500, while the Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. There is also the possibility of having to purchase a high-end PC to use the VR software.
Practical guidelines for the implementation of Augmented Reality in the classroom
Be aware of these tips while using augmented reality to improve the teaching and learning.
Match the technology to learning objectives
It doesn't matter how well-developed the AR program or application is. If it's unable to help you achieve your goals in learning It's probably not the best tool for you.
Write down three to five items that you want students to know how to do at the conclusion of your course. Imagine you're in charge of a class about the solar system; the learning goals could look as follows:
- Students need to understand the structure of the solar system.
- Students need to be able to differentiate the difference between orbits and rotation
- The students should be able to recognize the planets in our galaxy
After you've outlined these goals first, you need to ask, "What AR tools can aid me in accomplishing these goals?" For example, you could use a virtual projector to show realistic images of our solar system.
Consider your budget
Explore affordable AR tools that are simple to operate and maintain. One of the worst things you can do is to introduce students to augmented reality only to quit later because you can't maintain or upgrade the equipment.
There are many free and affordable AR devices for a variety of instructional purposes -- and we have already mentioned some of them in this piece. Geogebra is an excellent example of this. You can find others with a simple Google search of no cost AR apps.
Take the students along
Also, you should consider the learners' knowledge levels. If they don't know about how AR tools work, it's best to start with simple AR applications including 3D mobile apps. Then, you can introduce more sophisticated tools as they learn more about the technology.
Augmented reality doesn't replace basic learning experiences
Think of augmented reality as the icing on the cake. Augmented reality can improve the learning experience but cannot fix broken systems, like a lack of clear learning objectives, insufficient preparation, and inadequate feedback.
Be aware of these basic educational requirements before you start. And when you have fulfilled the requirements, you may incorporate augmented reality to deliver more engaging experiences to students.
Augmented reality FAQs
Find the answers to commonly requested questions on the use of augmented reality in schools.
How do I begin to implement AR for my class?
The first step is to determine where AR can be integrated into your current classroom arrangement. Then, you should research affordable AR software and tools. Start with low-cost AR software for your smartphone before investing into more expensive equipment.
In the next step, slowly introduce your students to the latest AR set-up for learning. Explain why AR is and how it could be applied in the classroom. Give them examples of AR experiences and allow them to explore AR apps and software on their own.
Are there any affordable AR tools to use in schools?
Yes, there are budget-friendly AR tools and programs that are designed specifically for educational institutions. One good example is Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. There is a no-cost plan while the paid plans begin at $74.99.
What subjects benefit the best the most AR integration?
AR integration is mostly useful for subjects with spatial or visual elements like History, Science, and Arts. For example, in science, learners can use AR to interact through virtual simulations of chemical compounds, or even dissect virtual organisms.
For those interested in history, they may discover ancient civilizations through overlaying virtual ruin sites onto actual locations. In Geography it is possible to explore different countries and cultures through overlaying virtual maps and landmarks over real-world places. In art, they can utilize AR to bring their creations to life in 3D.
What are the most common uses of Augmented Reality in the field of education?
There are many methods to use augmented reality to improve teaching and learning in the classroom. As an example, you could add 3D animations and models to your textbooks, making them more engaging. It is also possible to visualize real-life scenarios, such as trees sprouting from soil or abstract concepts in science.