Augmented Reality within the educational field
The past was when students could only study the human skeleton through images, videos or real-life anatomical models. Today, it is possible to show an ultra-realistic 3D model of the human skeleton within your classroom. This is among the numerous ways that Augmented Reality has revolutionized how we teach and learn.
We'll take a deeper dive into the use of augmented reality for education along with the many examples of real-world applications. We'll cover:
- What implications do you see from augmented reality for the field of education?
- What are the advantages to the use of augmented reality in education?
- Applications of augmented reality in the field of education
- Augmented Reality vs. virtual real
- Practical tips on how to incorporate Augmented Reality into your classroom
- Augmented Reality cannot take away the basic learning experience
- FAQs
What is Augmented Reality in the field of education?
In the classroom, Augmented Reality (AR) is the process of bringing digital technologies to the classroom to help students understand real-world concepts quickly. AR doesn't substitute for reality, rather, it helps teachers and students to understand elusive and obscure ideas.
Let's say you're teaching about the solar system. Instead of simply speaking about your solar system you decide to introduce an holographic projector. This projector could reveal the sun as the planets orbiting it, in 3D at the center of the class. Planets are able to be made smaller or bigger and rotated around and can even be able to focus on the specifics.
The students can see the size and layout of solar system in a fashion that is more exciting and immersive than typical drawings or diagrams. Instead of just reading books, or browsing through images or even videos, they are able to interact with the solar system live and see exactly how everything connects.
What are the benefits from using augmented reality in educational purposes?
Let's look at some advantages of integrating Augmented Reality into your learning setting.
It improves accessibility to the classroom.
Take a look at the Solar System class, for an example. Learn how to use AR to help students learn in different ways:
- Visual learners: Make use of an AR app that projects an expanded model of solar systems in the classroom. Visual learners will be able to see the solar system's planets that orbit the sun, look at their sizes relative to each the other and witness events like eclipses and planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: discuss important details about each planet, including its distinct characteristics as well as its structure while the AR model that is in active.
- Reading learners : Provide supplementary texts or reading overlays in the application, such as world facts, trivia and research on the past.
- Learners who are kinesthetic: let the kinesthetic learners play with the solar system virtual by using gestures, or motion control. They can, for example "grab" each planet, move them around and then adjust their orbits.
It provides a welcoming learning environment which allows students to learn in their own manner and in a style that best suits their individual preferences. No one is excluded, regardless of what they study.
Students are able to understand complicated concepts
If you've not seen an onion before, or if someone has spent every minute describing the appearance of an onion, you're not sure the meaning behind it. The visual representation, however, makes it much easier to understand.
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, explore the virtual onion in order to see the texture with great detail. Additionally, they could "peel off" each layer to see how the onion's structure is constructed.
When they finish the class, students will be able to identify the meaning of an onion and also be able to explain the idea as well as someone who's seen an actual onion.
Augmented Reality is a new technology in the field of education
Now that you have an understanding of the intricacies of Augmented Reality and the benefits it offers, let's take a look at some real-life examples of incorporating AR within the class.
AR within STEM
The HTML0 format has two main AR applications in STEM education: inquiry-based simulation, and problem-based simulation.
A game based upon questions
It is the process of using AR apps to create complex scenarios and concepts with a purpose of making the concepts more accessible for people to study and research. Students gain the opportunity to experience hands-on learning of complicated subjects.
This GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is a great example here. Students are able to create 3-D interactive models of geometric shapes as they solve questions. It allows them to zoom into different areas of the model and change its design according to the equation.
It allows students to learn the mathematical concept in the context of a real-world situation.
Problem-based simulation
Utilize AR to create real-life situations which require solving- whether as a group or as a self-directed group.
One excellent example is located in AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive game which lets students connect online circuit boards. You can test different circuits, settings and conductors as well as see how the changes impact the inner workings of the electricity circuit.
Based on what motivated AR Circuit, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born out of a desire to address the equipment gap in Zambian schools, particularly for the Chemistry and Physics classes.
AR as well as History and Art
The most significant application for Augmented Reality in the field of historical research is immersive learning. Augmented reality can assist in reliving historic events and make learning easier.
One app that does very well at this can do this really well is Living History, which is typically used in museums for guided tours that are self-guided. It conjures apparitions of characters from the past, which recreate exactly the same situations that occurred during the past.
If you're exploring the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of looking only at photographs and notes you'll be able to travel through ghostly images of soldiers fighting alongside the terrain and trenches of the battlefield.
Another use of AR in art and history are:
- Digital graffiti allows students to create beautiful graffiti without ruining walls. There are a variety of mobile applications to assist you in this. For instance, Vandaleak as well as Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art which allows students to turn paintings and sketches to 3D artworks that they are able to play with. Imagine a student sketches an image of a home that they want to transform into a realistic home and then place it anywhere with FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art exhibitions inside the classroom. Students can use Artivive to create amazing AR art at no cost.
AR within the realm of medicine
Augmented reality is a great tool to aid in scenarios in medical education. Simulations that are based on cases are designed to provide students with an intricate situation that is inspired by a real circumstance they may face in their professional life. It helps them apply their knowledge effectively and help them develop the essential abilities they will use in the real world.
A great illustration is AccuVein the vein visualization software. AccuVein makes use of augmented reality technology to project images of veins on the skin of a patient. Medical professionals can then find veins much more quickly and precisely.
Medical students can use the AccuVein method to learn how to find veins on a model patient. AccuVein provides immediate feedback that helps students enhance their technique and accuracy.
Augmented reality as well as. virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality is often used interchangeably but they are distinct items. Here's a quick comparison table that shows how these technology compete against each other.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| The definition of HTML0 | Integrates digital information with actual world happenings | Introduces users to an all-encompassing virtual reality |
| Interactive interaction with real-world events | Overlays digital content onto reality | Replacing the actual world with a digital one |
| Immersion level | Partial Immersion | Full immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Pricey |
| Devices | Tablets, smartphones Smart glasses Tablets, smartphones | Displays that have sensor heads mounted (HMDs) VR headsets |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulators |
We'll look at a couple of these distinctions more thoroughly.
Definition
Augmented reality is a way to put digital information over the real world in order to allow individuals to see it more clearly. Virtual reality however does not communicate with reality. Instead it allows students to experience an entirely new digital universe.
Examples
If you're teaching on the human body. By using VR it will create an immersive experience where your students will be transported into the human body, allowing students to observe its internal functioning. You can play with the various organs, focus in for more details, and observe the way that every organ system works in real-time. It creates an extremely enjoyable and stimulating atmosphere for students to learn in.
However, in contrast to AR it is possible to scan a textbook page about your heart. You can then see an 3-D model of the human heart on top of the page. Students can experiment with the model, observe its different parts and then observe their function as it interacts with the various organs. The students can read the textbook beneath and it gives them a blended learning experience.
Cost
Augmented reality is generally cheaper than virtual reality as it uses smaller hardware.
In order to use AR it is common to require a tablet or smartphone as well as an AR application to begin. The majority of AR educational apps offer plans for absolutely free and include premium plans for $100 or less.
On the other hand VR needs a headset that will cost you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. As for Meta such as they're Quest 3 VR headset costs approximately $500. The Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. It also has the option of needing to purchase the most powerful computer in order to run VR software. VR software.
Practical tips for implementing AR in the classroom
Remember these points as you use augmented reality to improve education and learning.
Connect the technology with the educational goals
No matter how sophisticated the AR software or program is. If it's not assisting you in reaching your goal of learning, then it's probably not the right tool for you.
Make three or five projects you'd like your students to know how do by the conclusion of the course. If you're an educator who is interested in our solar system. the learning objectives you're aiming at could look like this:
- Students need to understand the structures of the solar system
- Students need to be able to differentiate the orbits as well as the rotation
- The pupils should be able to recognize the stars in our galaxy
Once you've defined your goals then the next thing to ask is "What AR tools can aid me to achieve these objectives?" You could, for instance, utilize a virtual projection device that displays realistic pictures of our solar system.
Consider your budget
Find low-cost AR devices that are easy to keep and use. The worst thing you can do is to expose students to Augmented Reality only to have they stop using it later because you're unable to maintain or upgrade the technology.
There's an array of free and inexpensive AR tools that can be used for different purposes in education -- and we've previously discussed some of them in this piece. Geogebra is one of these. It is possible to find additional examples using an easy Google search for free AR applications.
The learners should be able to keep track of you
Also, you should take into consideration the level of knowledge of your learners. If they aren't aware of how AR tools function It is ideal to begin with simple AR applications, such as 3D mobile applications. You can introduce more complex tools as they learn more about the AR technology.
Augmented Reality can't replace the fundamental experiences of learning
Imagine augmented reality as the topping on the cake. Augmented reality could enhance the learning experience but isn't able to fix broken systems like a lack of clear learning objectives, insufficient education, or insufficient feedback.
Be aware of these basic knowledge requirements prior to. Once you've satisfied these prerequisites and you're able incorporate augmented reality into your curriculum to provide learners with more exciting experiences.
Augmented Reality FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions on the use of augmented reality at schools.
How do I start to implement AR in my class?
The first step is to determine where the technology of augmented reality fits within the present teaching environment. Then, you can look into budget-friendly AR tools and programs. As an example, you can start by using affordable AR software that runs on smartphones before you invest into more expensive tools.
The next step is to slowly introduce your students to the newest AR system for teaching. Explain the concept of what AR is and how it could be utilized within your class. Provide them with examples of AR experiences, and allow them to explore AR software and applications by themselves.
Do you have accessible AR tools for schools?
There are affordable AR applications and software made specifically to be used by educational institutions. An excellent example of this would be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. It has a free plan and premium plans beginning at $74.99.
What are the topics that benefit most from greatest AR incorporation?
AR integration is primarily advantageous for courses with elements of spatial or visual nature, such as History, Science, and art. In the field of science, for example students may use AR to engage with the digital representation of chemical compounds as well as explore virtual creatures.
If you're interested in learning about history it is possible to explore old civilizations, by overlaying virtual ruin sites on the actual location. In Geography you can discover diverse nationalities and civilizations by overlaying digital maps and landmarks on real-world sites. In art, they may utilize AR to let their work become real-time in 3D.
What are the usual applications for augmented reality to enhance education?
There's a myriad of ways to utilize AR to improve teaching and learning in the classroom. It is possible to, for example, add 3D animations and models to your textbooks to make them more engaging. In addition, you are able to visualize actual situations like plants sprouting out of soil or abstract concepts from science.
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