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Augmented Reality in Education

Mar 8, 2024

Decades ago, you could only get information about the human skeletal system in images, videos or a realistic anatomical model. Nowadays, you can show a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of the human body skeleton in your class. It is among the many ways in which augmented reality has changed the way we teach and learn.

Let's dive deep into augmented reality in education as well as the many practical use cases. We'll cover:

What exactly is Augmented Reality in education?

Augmented Reality in Education (AR) involves bringing digital technology to a physical classroom to help learners understand real-life concepts better. It isn't a substitute for real-world experience; rather, it helps learners as well as teachers understand otherwise difficult and obscure ideas.

For instance, you're teaching students about the solar system. Instead of speaking about it, you bring in the holographic projector. With it, you can show the sun and every planet orbiting around it in 3D within the classroom. You can make the planets bigger or smaller, spin the planets around and close in on specifics.

The students can see the scale and arrangement of solar systems in a manner that's much more engaging and immersive than typical diagrams or drawings. Instead of reading a book, looking at images, or watching videos, students can interact through the solar system on a real-time basis and actually see how everything is interconnected.

What are the benefits of using augmented reality for education?

Let's take a look at the benefits of incorporating AR into your education setting.

It enhances accessibility for students in the classroom.

Take our solar system class for instance. This is how you can utilize AR for different learning styles:

  • Visual learners can use an AR software that project models that are scaled down of solar systems into the classroom. Visual learners will be able to view the orbits of the planets around the sun, observe their sizes relative to each the other, and witness things like eclipses or planet rotations.
  • Auditory learners: discuss important information about each planet -- like its unique features and composition -- during the time that using the AR model is active.
  • Reading learners  Offer supplementary reading materials or digital text overlays within the app, like planet information or trivia and other historical research.
  • Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners engage with the virtual solar system using touch gestures or motion controls. For example, students can "grab" planets, rotate them around, and adjust their orbits.

This helps create a more welcoming learning environment, which permits students to study in their own way and in a manner that is most appropriate to their personal requirements. Every student will be included, no matter the method they choose to learn.

Helps students understand complex concepts

If you've never seen an onion, and no one spent long hours describing what it looks like but you may not know what that signifies. Seeing a picture, however, makes it much more comprehensible.

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 zoom into the virtual onion and observe the texture in detail. They can "peel off" each layer so that they can see the onion's inner structure.

When they finish the lesson, students know what an onion is and can explain it as well as anyone who's experienced an actual onion.

Application of augmented reality for education

Now that you have a clear understanding of augmented reality and its benefits let's look at some real-life instances of how to incorporate AR into the classroom.

AR is a part of STEM

Two primary AR uses for STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation as well as problem-based

 A simulation based on questions

It is done by the use of AR applications to visualize abstract concepts and scenarios to make them easier to explore and study. This provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of difficult subjects.

This GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is an excellent example. It lets students make interactive 3D models of geometric shapes when they work on problems. They can zoom into different aspects of the shape and modify its structure per the mathematical equation.

The students can explore math concepts in a fun method.

 Problem-based simulation

Use AR to design real-world scenarios that require problem-solving -- whether as a group or in a self-directed context.

One good model is AR Circuit. It's an interactive model that allows students to connect circuit boards virtually. Students can play around with various parameters and conductors as well as observe how the changes impact the inner operation of an electrical circuit.

In a discussion about the inspiration behind the application, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born out of the need to bridge the technology gap in Zambian schools, specifically for the Chemistry and Physics classes.

AR in History and Art

The largest application of Augmented Reality in the field of history is in immersive learning. It can help you recreate the past to make learning more effective.

One application that can do this really well can do this really well is Living History, which is mostly used in museums for guided tours that are self-guided. The app evokes the spectre of historic characters who reenact the exact events that happened in the past.

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

Other uses of AR in history and art are:

  • Digital graffiti which allows learners to make beautiful graffiti, without ruining walls. There are many mobile apps that can be used for this, like Vandaleak as well as Graffiti Go.
  • Virtual 3D art production that allows students to convert drawings and paintings into 3D works that they can play with. If a student sketches an image of a home; they could convert it into a life-like home and then place the structure anywhere using FeelTheArt.
  • Host AR art exhibitions in the classroom. Students are able to use Artivive to create beautiful AR artwork for free.

AR in the field of medicine

Augmented reality can be used to aid in case-based simulations in medical training. Case-based simulations involve presenting learners with a complex scenario that mimics a real-life scenario they could encounter during their work lives. This helps them to use the skills they have learned in a practical manner and build core competencies for working in the real world.

One good illustration is AccuVein an image-based vein visualization technology. It uses augmented reality to project images of the veins on their skin. This aids medical professionals find veins efficiently and with greater accuracy.

In medical training, students can make use of the AccuVein system to practice finding veins in a live patient. AccuVein provides instant feedback, helping students improve their precision and accuracy.

Augmented Reality vs. virtual reality

Augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. This table is a brief comparison showing how these technologies pit against one another.

Augmented Reality Virtual Reality
Definition Connects digital information to actual world events Injects users into the world of virtual reality
Interaction with the real world Inlays digital content on actual world replaces the real world with a virtual one
Immersion level Partial Immersion Full Immersion
Cost Affordable Expensive
Devices tablets, smartphones and smart glasses Head-mounted displays (HMDs) VR headsets, Head-mounted displays
Examples Virtual 3D models VR Simulations

Let's explore some of these distinctions further.

Definition

Augmented reality is a way to overlay digital content onto the actual world to help people understand it better. Virtual reality, in contrast isn't able to communicate with reality. Rather, it allows the user to be immersed in another world entirely.

Examples

Imagine that you're providing a course on the human body. By using VR, you'll provide an immersive learning experience in which the students are virtually transported inside the human body and are able to study its workings. You can play with the various organs, zoom in to see details, and observe how every system works 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 browse through a book about the human heart and see an 3D representation of the human heart that is displayed on high up on the page. The students can interact with the model, observe its different parts, and see how it functions with respect to different organs. The students can still view the actual textbook underneath, which creates a more mixed learning environment.

Cost

Augmented reality can be cheaper than virtual reality since it needs less equipment.

With AR, you typically only require a tablet or smartphone and an AR app to start. A majority of AR apps for education have plans that are free that include the paid plans starting at $100 or less.

However VR needs an expensive headset which could cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For example, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset costs around $500. Apple's Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. There is also the possibility of having to purchase a high-end PC to use your VR software.

Practical tips for implementing augmented reality in the classroom

Remember these points when you are using augmented reality to improve the teaching and learning.

Use the technology in conjunction with learning objectives

No matter how advanced the AR software or tool 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 you'd like your students to be able to accomplish by the end of class. Say you're teaching a class about the solar system; your learning objectives might look like this:

  • Students need to understand the structure of the solar system
  • Students need to be able to differentiate the difference between orbits and rotation
  • Students must be able recognize the planets of our galaxy

When you've identified these objectives questions, the next step is, "What AR tools can aid me in accomplishing these goals?" For example, it is possible to make use of a virtual projector in order for displaying realistic pictures of our solar system.

Consider your budget

Discover affordable AR tools that are simple to use and maintain. One of the worst things you can do is to expose students to augmented reality only to quit later because you can't maintain or replace the tools.

There are numerous inexpensive and free AR tools that can be used for various applications in education We have already mentioned some of them in this article. Geogebra is one of them in this article. It is possible to find other examples with a simple Google search to find free AR applications.

Carry the learners to

It is also important to take into account the learners' knowledge levels. If they aren't sure about how AR tools work you should start with simple AR applications like 3D mobile apps. Then, you can introduce more sophisticated tools as they learn more about this technology.

Augmented reality can't substitute the fundamental experiences of learning

Think of augmented reality as the frosting to the cake. It could enhance your learning experience, but it can't fix the broken systems like a lack of well-defined learning objectives, poor preparation, and inadequate feedback.

Pay attention to these fundamental education requirements first. Once you've met these requirements, then you are able to incorporate augmented reality to deliver more engaging experiences to students.

Augmented Reality FAQs

Find the answers to commonly asked questions about the use of augmented reality in schools.

How can I get started with AR in my class?

First, figure out where AR can be integrated into the current teaching arrangement. Then, you should research affordable AR applications and devices. For example, start with inexpensive AR software that works on your smartphone before investing in more expensive hardware.

Then, gradually introduce your students to this new AR setup for learning. Discuss what AR is and how it could be used in the classroom. Provide them with examples of AR experience, then allow them to explore AR software and apps on their own.

Are there any affordable AR equipment for schools?

There are budget-friendly AR tools and programs that are designed specifically for educational institutions. An excellent example of this can be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. The free version is available and the paid plans start at $74.99.

What topics benefit greatest from AR integration?

AR integration can be suitable for classes with spatial or visual components such as History, Science, and art. For instance, in the field of science learners may use AR to interact through digital simulations of chemical compounds or explore virtual animals.

In the realm of history, they are able to discover ancient civilizations through overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography it is possible to explore various cultures and countries through overlaying virtual maps and landmarks onto real-world locations. When it comes to art, they are able to use AR to make their artwork come to life in 3D.

What are some of the typical applications of augmented reality for education?

There are many ways to use augmented reality to improve teaching and learning within the school. For example, you can add 3D animations or models into your textbooks to make them more interactive. It is also possible to visualize real-life situations like a plant germinating in the soil, or abstract concepts in science.