Augmented Reality for Education

Mar 13, 2024

Decades ago, you could only learn about the human skeletal system using videos, pictures or even real-life anatomical models. Today, you are able to project an ultra-realistic 3D model of the human body the skeleton in your classroom. This is just one of many ways the augmented reality technology has changed learning and teaching.

We'll take a deeper dive into the uses of Augmented Reality in education in addition to the many practical use cases. We'll cover:

What implications do we have from augmented reality for education?

Augmented Reality in Education (AR) means bringing digital technologies into physical classes in order to help students comprehend real-world concepts better. AR does not replace real-world experience; rather, it helps learners and teachers understand previously difficult and elusive concepts.

Imagine you're teaching students about how the sun functions. Instead of focusing on how the sun works, you choose to use a projection system that is holographic. The projector is able to show the sun and all the planets that orbit around it in 3D, right in the middle of the class. It is possible to make the planets smaller or bigger, rotate the planets around and close in on details.

This allows students to comprehend the size and structure of the solar system in a manner which is much more fascinating and complex as compared to traditional drawings and diagrams. Instead of just reading pages of a book, scanning photos or watching video, students can explore the solar system on real-time basis and actually see how all things are interconnected.

What are the advantages of Augmented Reality in the classroom?

We'll look at a few benefits of incorporating Augmented Reality into your education setting.

This improves the accessibility of classrooms.

Learn about solar systems in our course, for instance. Here's how you can use AR for learning in various ways:

  • Visual learners: Make use of an AR software that brings the solar model in a larger size system in your classroom. Visual learners can see all the planets that revolve around the sun, take a look at their sizes relative to one of them, and watch things like eclipses or planet rotations.
  • Auditory learners: discuss important details about the planets -including its distinctive characteristics and composition -- throughout the period that they are in the AR model is operating.
  • Students who read : Provide supplementary texts or reading overlays in the application, such as facts about planets, trivia and historical discovery.
  • Learning with kinesthetics. Let kinesthetic learners engage in the solar system through gestures, touches or motion controls. Students can, for instance "grab" objects, then move them about, and then adjust their orbits.

This creates a more inclusive learning environment, which permits students to study according to their own schedule and in a manner which is most appropriate to their requirements. Each student is included regardless of the way they learn.

Students are able to grasp complex concepts

If you've never seen onions before, and have witnessed someone for time describing how it appears as, you may find that you don't comprehend what it means. Visual representations, however the visual representation makes it simpler to understand.

Augmented reality could be more effective. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. For instance, they can to zoom in on the virtual onion and observe its texture closely. Additionally, they could "peel off" every layer in order to observe the onion's inner architecture.

At the end of the class, students will be able to identify what an onion and also be able to explain it the same manner as someone who has observed an actual onion.

Applications of augmented reality within the realm of education

With a good grasp of the idea behind AR and the many benefits it offers, let's take the time to look over some ways to integrate AR in the class.

AR in STEM

The HTML0 format is a great choice for two primary AR uses in STEM education: inquiry-based simulation, and problem-based simulation.

A simulation based on questions

It is done by using AR software that helps construct abstract ideas and scenarios in order to make them simpler to study and discover. The program provides students with hands-on experience in complex subjects.

The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is a wonderful illustration. It allows students to make interactive 3D models of geometric shapes as they work with problems. The students can zoom into diverse areas of the shape as well as alter the shape in accordance with the equation.

It allows students to learn mathematical concepts in the hands-on way.

Problem-based simulation

Make use of AR to create real-life situations that demand problem-solvingeither in groups or within a self-directed setting.

A good example is AR Circuit. It's an interactive model which allows students to connect circuit boards to the Internet. Students are able to play using different conductors and settings and observe how the changes influence the functioning of the electrical circuit.

Based on what motivated the app, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was created out of the necessity to connect equipment and Zambian schools, particularly for Chemistry and Physics classes.

AR and History and Art

The biggest application of Augmented Reality in the history of mankind is immersive learning. Augmented reality could assist with experiencing historical moments to make the learning experience more interactive and enjoyable.

One app that does extremely well which does it very effectively Living History, which is typically used in museums for guided tours on their own. It evokes the ghosts of people from the past that recreate exactly what was happening in the past.

Imagine that you're in the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking at images and notes the museum is a walkthrough with ghostly pictures of soldiers fighting -- with the landscape and trenches of the battlefield.

Another examples of AR within the field of the arts and of history include:

  • Digital graffiti allows kids to design beautiful graffiti while making sure that walls are not damaged. There are numerous apps available on mobile for this, including Vandaleak along with Graffiti Go.
  • Virtual 3D art creation which allows students to convert sketches and sketches into 3D art works that they interact with. Say a student draws an outline of a house. It can be transformed into a real-life housing structure and put it where they want using FeelTheArt.
  • Host AR art exhibitions in the classroom. Students can use Artivive to create amazing AR artwork for free.

AR as a medical

Augmented reality is a great tool to aid in scenarios in medical training. Simulations that are based on cases are designed to provide learners with an intricate scenario that mimics a real-life situation they might encounter in their careers. They are able to apply their skills practically and acquire the essential skills needed for working in the real workplace.

One good instance can be AccuVein an imaging-based device for vein visualization. It uses augmented reality to show images of the veins of the patient on their skin, which helps doctors locate veins easily and accurately.

Medical students may make use using their AccuVein device to understand how to identify veins on the model of a patient. AccuVein provides immediate feedback that helps students improve their precision and accuracy.

Augmented Reality is different from. virtual reality

Virtual reality and Augmented Reality can be used in conjunction, but they refer to distinct things. Below is a table which demonstrates how these technologies can compete with each other.

Augmented Reality Virtual Reality
HTML1 The definition of HTML0 Combines digital data with reality Injects users into a completely virtual environment
Interactive interaction with real-world events digital content overlays onto actual world replaces the physical world by a digital one
Immersion level Partially Immersion Full immersion
Cost Accessible Pricey
devices smartphones, tablets, Smart glasses, tablets Displays with Head Mounted (HMDs) VR headsets Head-mounted displays
Examples Virtual 3D models VR simulations

Let's look at a few of these variations in more detail.

Definition

Augmented Reality is a way to overlay digital information onto the actual world to make it easy for users to gain an understanding of. Virtual reality however does not communicate with the real world. Instead, it immerses the learner in an entirely digital universe.

Examples

If you're educating students about the way that our bodies work. Through VR, you'll be able to make an experience that is immersive and where students are transported into the human body to observe its inner workings. It allows them to interact with different organs, and zoom in to see the specifics of each organ, as well as observe how each organ functions in real-time. It's a very engaging and immersive environment for students to study within.

But using AR it's feasible to locate a text book page on the human heart. Then, you can see a 3D representation of the human heart that is high up on the page. Students are able to interact with the model, examine the various components and see how they function in relation to the other organs. The students will also be able to look at the book below, which provides an environment that is more diverse.

Cost

Augmented Reality is usually less expensive than virtual reality because it uses smaller equipment.

In AR typically, you'll need a smartphone or tablet along with an AR app to get started. Most AR apps for education have plans that are cost-free, with priced plans that are paid starting with a minimum of 100 dollars.

However, VR is a costly headset which could cost thousands or hundreds of dollars. In the case of Meta the example is the Quest 3 VR headset costs around $500. The Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. There is also the possibility of needing to buy an expensive PC in order to run this VR software.

Practical guidelines for the implementation in the classroom Augmented Reality in the classroom

Be aware of these tips while using augmented reality to improve the education and learning.

Technology and educational goals

No matter how advanced the AR program or application is. If it's not able to assist you reach your goals for education, then it's probably not the ideal tool for you.

Make a list of three to five points you'd like your students to understand how to complete at the end of your course. You're in charge of a course on the solar system. The educational goals might be like this:

  • Students need to understand the nature of the solar system.
  • Students must be able to differentiate the differences between orbits and rotation
  • The students are expected to be able recognize the planets that make up our galaxy.

When you've laid out your objectives at first, you must ask, "What AR tools can help me achieve these objectives?" You could, for instance, make use of a virtual projection device that displays realistic images of our solar system.

Consider your budget

Explore affordable AR tools that are simple to operate and maintain. One of the most damaging things you could do is expose students to the augmented world only to quit later because you can't maintain or upgrade the equipment.

There are numerous inexpensive and free AR tools for a wide range of instructional purposes -- and we have already mentioned some examples in the post. Geogebra is an outstanding instance of this. It is possible to find other examples with a simple Google search for free AR applications.

Let the students go to the school

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the students' understanding of the levels. If they aren't aware of how AR tools function It is best to begin with simple AR applications including 3D mobile applications. Then, you can provide more sophisticated applications as they learn more about AR technology.

Augmented Reality doesn't substitute for traditional learning experiences.

Imagine augmented reality as the frosting on the cake. Augmented reality can improve the quality of education, but can't fix broken systems, like an insufficient understanding of goals for learning, inadequate preparation, and inadequate feedback.

Know these essential education requirements prior to starting. If you've fulfilled these requirements, you are able to use augmented reality in order to provide more engaging experiences to students.

Augmented reality FAQs

Find the answers to commonly requested questions on the application of Augmented Reality at schools.

How do I begin to incorporate AR in my class?

The first thing to do is find out how AR could be integrated into the current teaching plan. After that, you need to investigate inexpensive AR software and tools. Begin by using low-cost AR software for your smartphone prior to investing in more costly equipment.

Next, slowly introduce pupils to the latest AR setup for teaching. Explain why AR is beneficial and the ways it could be used to the classroom. Give them an example of AR experiences and allow them to play with AR apps and software on their own.

Do you have any budget-friendly AR equipment that can be used in schools?

Yes, budget-friendly AR software and applications made specifically for educational institutions. A good example of this is Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. The free plans are available with paid plans starting at $74.99.

Which topics benefit from the most AR integration?

AR integration is primarily useful for subjects with spatial or visual elements like History, Science, and arts. In science, for instance students can make use of AR to interact through the virtual representation of chemical compounds as well as dissect virtual living organisms.

For those who are fascinated by history, they may discover ancient civilizations, by overlaying virtual ruin locations onto real-world locations. In Geography it's possible to discover different cultures and countries by overlaying digital maps and landmarks on actual locations. Artists may use AR to bring their creations into reality in 3D.

What are the most common ways to use Augmented Reality in the field of education?

There are many methods to make use of augmented reality in order to enhance education and learning within the school. As an example it is possible to incorporate 3D animations and models to the textbooks you use, making them more engaging. It is also possible to envision real-life situations, like trees growing from soil or abstract concepts in sciences.

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