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Augmented Reality in Education

Mar 8, 2024

Decades ago, you could only learn about the human skeletal system in video, images or a realistic anatomical model. Nowadays, you can show a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of the human body skeleton right within your classroom. It is among the numerous ways that augmented reality has changed the way we teach and learn.

We'll take a deeper dive into the use of augmented reality for education as well as the many examples of practical applications. We'll cover:

What are the implications of augmented reality for education?

Augmented reality in education (AR) is the process of incorporating digital technologies to the physical class to aid students understand real-life concepts better. It isn't a substitute for real-world experience; more, it aids students as well as teachers understand otherwise difficult and obscure ideas.

Let's say you're teaching about our solar system. Instead of talking about it, you get a holographic projection device. It can display the sun and all the planets orbiting around it 3D at the center of the classroom. The planets can be made larger or smaller, rotate the planets around and zoom in to see specifics.

The students can see the scale and arrangement of the solar system in a way which is much more exciting and deep than conventional diagrams or drawings. Instead of simply reading a book, looking at images or videos, students are able to interact with the solar system live and see exactly how it all is interconnected.

What are the benefits of using augmented reality for education?

Let's look at some reasons why it's worth incorporating AR into your learning context.

It improves accessibility for students in the classroom.

Learn about solar systems in our class, for example. Here's how you can use AR to help students learn in different ways:

  • Visual learners: Use an AR app that projects an enlarged model of solar systems in the classroom. Visual learners are able to see the orbits of the planets around the sun, observe their size in relation to each other, and even witness phenomena like eclipses or planetary rotations.
  • Auditory learners: Discuss key information about each planet -- like its unique properties and features -- during the time that using the AR model is active.
  • Readers  Offer supplementary texts or reading overlays that are part of the app including planet-related information as well as trivial discovery.
  • Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners engage with the virtual solar system with touch gestures and motion controls. As an example, they can "grab" objects, rotate them around, and adjust their orbits.

This creates a more inclusive learning environment, which lets students learn at their own pace and in a way that is most appropriate to their personal preferences. There is no one left out in any way, regardless of the method they choose to learn.

It assists students in understanding complex concepts

If you've never seen an onion before and you've seen someone spend all their time describing what it looks like it's possible that you don't know what that signifies. The visual representation, but, it makes it easier to understand.

Augmented reality is even better. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. As an example, they could move their eyes around the virtual onion in order to see the texture in detail. Additionally, they could "peel off" each layer to see the onion's internal structure.

At the end of the course, students should understand what an onion actually is and can explain it in the same way as someone who has seen an actual onion.

Augmented reality applications in education

Now that you have an understanding of the concept of Augmented Reality and its benefits let's look at some real-life ways to integrate AR into the classroom.

AR within STEM

There are two primary AR uses for STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation and problem-based simulation

 A simulation based on questions

It involves the use of AR software to help visualize abstract concepts and scenarios so that they are easier to study and discover. It provides students with hands-on experience of complex subjects.

The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app provides a fantastic example. It allows students to build interactive 3D models from geometric shapes while solving questions. It allows them to zoom in on different parts of the model and alter its shape according to the equation.

It allows students to learn math concepts in a fun way.

 Problem-based simulation

Use AR to design real-world situations that need to be solvedeither in groups or as a self-directed group.

An excellent example is AR Circuit. It's an interactive model that allows students to connect circuit boards in virtual reality. They can experiment with different parameters and conductors as well as see how these changes affect the inner operation of an electrical circuit.

Speaking on what inspired the application, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born of the need to bridge the gap between equipment and Zambian schools, especially for Physics and Chemistry classes.

AR within History and Art

The most significant application for augmented reality in history is in immersive learning. It helps you to recreate historic events and make learning more efficient.

One app that does the job well is Living History, which is typically used in museums for self-guided tours. It evokes the ghosts of historic characters who reenact exactly what happened during the past.

If you're walking around the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of simply looking at the notes and photos the museum is a walkthrough of ghostly silhouettes of soldiers fighting and through the scenery and trenches that were the battlefield.

Other uses of AR in art and history include:

  • Digital graffiti allows students to create beautiful graffiti without damaging walls. There are a variety of mobile applications that can be used for this, like Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
  • Virtual 3D art that permits students to transform sketches and drawings into 3D works that they can play with. Imagine a sketch of the outline of a house. They can convert it into a life-like house and put it anywhere with FeelTheArt.
  • Host AR art exhibits right inside the classroom. Students are able to use Artivive to design stunning AR artwork at no cost.

AR in medicine

Augmented Reality is utilized for cases-based simulations during medical education. The case-based simulations are designed to present participants with a complicated scenario that mimics a real-life scenario they could encounter during their professional lives. They are able to apply the skills they have learned in a practical manner and build core competencies for life in the real world.

An excellent example can be found in AccuVein, a vein visualization technology. AccuVein makes use of augmented reality technology to project an image of the veins on the skin. This helps doctors locate veins efficiently and with greater accuracy.

In medical training, students may make use of the AccuVein device to learn how to identify veins in a live patient. AccuVein gives real-time feedback to help students increase their technique and accuracy.

Augmented reality vs. Virtual reality

Augmented reality and virtual reality are frequently used interchangeably but they mean different things. Below is a table which demonstrates how these techs compete against one another.

Augmented Reality Virtual Reality
Definition Integrates digital information with reality Injects users into an entirely virtual world
Interaction with the real world Digital content overlays on actual world Replacing the real world with a digital one
Immersion level Partial immersion Full Immersion
Cost Affordable Pricey
Devices Smartphones, tablets, smart glasses Head-mounted displays (HMDs), VR headsets
Examples Virtual 3D models VR simulations

Let's examine a few of these distinctions more thoroughly.

Definition

Augmented reality overlays digital data on the real world in order to make it easier for people to understand it better. Virtual reality, on the other does not communicate with reality. Instead, it immerses the learner in an entirely digital universe.

Examples

If you're educating students about how the body works. By using VR, you'll make an experience that is immersive, where students can be transported into the body and are able to study its functions. Students can engage with various organs, zoom to see details, as well as observe how each system works in real time. This makes for a highly exciting and interesting setting for students to learn in.

In contrast, with AR It is possible to browse through a book about the human heart and see the 3D image of the heart on right at the top. The students can engage with the model and look at its many parts and observe how they function with respect to other organs. The students can still view the actual textbook underneath, which creates a more multi-sensory learning experience.

Cost

Augmented reality generally costs less than virtual reality since it requires lesser equipment.

With AR it is common to require a tablet or smartphone along with an AR app to start. A majority of AR apps designed for educators come with a free plan that include the paid plans starting at $100 or less.

In contrast VR requires the use of a headset, which can run hundreds or thousands of dollars. As an example, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset costs about $500, while the Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. There is also the possibility of having to buy a powerful PC to use your VR software.

Practical suggestions for using AR in classrooms

Be aware of these tips as you use Augmented Reality to enhance teaching and learning.

Connect the technology with educational goals

No matter how advanced the AR program or application is. If it's unable to help you reach your learning goals It's probably not the appropriate tool.

Write three to five things that you want students to know how to do at the end of class. Say you're teaching a class regarding the solar system. your objectives for learning could be like this:

  • Students should understand the structure of the solar system.
  • Students need to be able to distinguish the orbits and the rotation
  • Students should be able recognize the planets of our galaxy

Once you've listed these questions, the next step is, "What AR tools can assist me in achieving these goals?" For example, you could use a virtual projector to show realistic images of the solar system.

Consider your budget

Explore inexpensive AR tools that are easy to maintain and use. One of the worst things you can do is to introduce students to augmented reality only to quit down the road as you're unable to keep or replace the tools.

There are numerous free and affordable AR tools for different educational use cases (and we've already mentioned some of them in this article. Geogebra is an excellent example in this article. You can find others with a simple Google search of no cost AR applications.

Learners should be able to follow with you

It is also important to take into account the learners' knowledge levels. If they aren't sure about how AR tools work, it's best to start with simple AR applications such as 3D mobile applications. It is possible to introduce more advanced applications as they become more knowledgeable about the technology.

Augmented reality doesn't replace fundamental learning experiences

Consider augmented reality the frosting to the cake. It can enhance the learning experience but can't fix the broken systems like a lack of clear learning objectives, insufficient training, or inadequate feedback.

Make sure you are aware of these essential learning requirements first. Once you've met these requirements, then you are able to integrate augmented reality into your curriculum to provide even better experiences for learners.

Augmented Reality FAQs

Get answers to commonly sought-after questions regarding augmented reality in education.

What can I do to start using AR in my classroom?

The first step is to determine where the augmented reality technology fits in the current teaching configuration. Next, research budget-friendly AR applications and devices. Start with affordable AR software that runs on your phone before investing into more expensive equipment.

In the next step, slowly introduce your students to the new AR system for teaching. Explain what AR means and the ways it can be used in the classroom. Give them examples of AR experience, then invite them to play with AR apps and software on their own.

Are there affordable AR equipment for school use?

There are budget-friendly AR tools and programs that are designed specifically for educational institutions. A good example is Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. The free version is available while the paid plans begin at $74.99.

What topics benefit best of AR integration?

AR integration can be useful for subjects with spatial or visual components such as History, Science, and art. For example, in science learners may use AR to engage with the virtual representations of chemical substances or explore virtual animals.

In the realm of history, they are able to look into ancient civilizations by overlaying virtual structures onto real-world sites. In Geography, they can explore various cultures and countries by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks on real-world sites. Art students can make use of AR to bring their art into 3D.

What are the most common uses of Augmented Reality in the field of education?

There are a variety of ways you can use augmented realities in order to boost learning and teaching in the classroom. As an example, you could add 3D animations or models into your textbooks to make them more interactive. You can also visualize real-life situations, like trees sprouting from soil or abstract concepts in science.