Augmented Reality in Education
Decades ago, you could only get information about the human skeleton in video, images or the realistic model of anatomical structures. Today, you are able to project an ultra-realistic 3D model of the human skeleton within your class. This is just one of the many ways augmented real-time technology has transformed teaching and learning.
We'll take a deeper dive into augmented reality and education and the different examples of practical applications. We'll cover:
- What are the implications of augmented reality for education?
- What are the advantages of Augmented Reality in the classroom?
- Applications of augmented reality in education
- Augmented reality vs. virtual reality
- Practical guidelines to implement augmented reality into the classroom
- Augmented reality can't take away the basic learning experience
- FAQs
What is augmented reality in the field of education?
Augmented Reality in Education (AR) involves bringing digital technology to a physical classroom to help learners understand real-life concepts better. It doesn't replace reality; instead, it assists students and teachers comprehend otherwise elusive or obscure concepts.
Imagine that you're educating students on the solar system. Instead of just talking about it, you get an holographic projection device. With it, you could show the sun as well as all the planets orbiting around it in 3D in the middle of your classroom. The planets can be made smaller or larger, turn the planets around and zoom in to see specifics.
This allows learners to see the scale and arrangement of the solar system in a way which is much more exciting and deep than conventional drawings or diagrams. Instead of simply reading a book, looking at images or viewing videos, students can interact in the solar system on a real-time basis and see exactly how it all is interconnected.
What are the advantages of Augmented Reality in the classroom?
Let's look at some reasons why it's worth incorporating augmented reality into the educational setting.
It enhances accessibility in classrooms
Take our solar system class, for example. This is how you can utilize AR for different learning styles:
- Visual learners can use an AR application that displays models that are scaled down that depicts the solar system into the classroom. Visual learners can see the planets orbiting the sun, observe their size in relation to each the other, and witness events like eclipses and planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: discuss important details about the planets -- like its unique features and composition -- during the time that the AR model is active.
- Reading learners : Provide supplementary reading materials or digital text overlays in the app such as planet facts or trivia and other historical research.
- Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners interact with the virtual solar system using touch gestures or motion controls. As an example, they can "grab" objects, rotate them around, and adjust their orbits.
It creates an inclusive educational environment which allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that best suits their individual needs. 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 not seen an onion and someone spent long hours describing what it looked like it's possible that you don't understand what it signifies. The visual representation, nevertheless, makes it simpler to comprehend.
Augmented reality can be even more effective. 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 internal structure.
At the end of the class, students will understand what an onion actually is and can explain the concept as clearly as someone who has seen a real one.
Augmented reality applications in education
Once you've got a clear understanding of Augmented Reality and its advantages, let's look at some real-life ways to integrate AR in the classroom.
AR in STEM
The HTML0 format has two main AR uses in STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation and problem-based simulation
A simulation based on questions
This involves the use of AR apps to create abstract scenarios and concepts so that they are easier to explore and study. This provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of difficult subjects.
This GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app provides a fantastic example. It lets students create interactive 3D models of geometric shapes as they solve problems. The students can zoom into various parts of the model and modify its structure per the equation.
The students can explore the mathematical concept in a practical method.
Simulation based on a problem
Make use of AR to create real-life scenarios that require problem-solving -- whether as a group or as a self-directed group.
One good model is AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive game which lets students connect circuit boards virtually. They can experiment with different conductors and settings and see how these changes affect the functioning of the electricity circuit.
On the basis of what motivated the application, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born of the need to bridge the equipment gap in Zambian schools, specifically for Physics and Chemistry classes.
AR in History and Art
The largest application of augmented reality in history is the immersive learning. Augmented reality can assist in reliving historical events to make interactive learning more effective.
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. The app evokes the spectre of characters from the past that recreate exactly what happened in the past.
If you're walking around the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of simply looking at the notes and photos it's a journey through the ghostly images of soldiers fighting along with the terrain and trenches of the battlefield.
Other applications of AR in history and art include:
- Digital graffiti which allows learners to make beautiful graffiti, without damaging walls. There are numerous mobile apps for this, including Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art creation which lets students convert their drawings and paintings into 3D artworks they can engage with. Imagine a sketch of a house; they can transform it into a real-life housing structure and place it wherever they want using FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art exhibits right inside the classroom. Students can use Artivive to design stunning AR artwork for free.
AR in the field of medicine
Augmented reality is used 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 circumstance they may encounter in their work lives. It helps them apply their skills practically and develop fundamental competencies to be useful in the real-world.
An excellent example can be found in AccuVein an image-based vein visualization technology. It makes use of Augmented Reality to project images of the veins on their skin, which helps medical professionals find veins efficiently and with greater accuracy.
Students in medical school are able to use the AccuVein system to practice finding veins on a simulated patient. The system provides real-time feedback to help students increase their accuracy and technique.
Augmented reality and. virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, however, they refer to different things. This table is a brief comparison which demonstrates how these techs compete against one another.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Connects digital information to reality | Immerses users in an entirely virtual world |
| Interaction with the real world | Digital content overlays on actual world | Replaces the real world by a virtual one |
| Immersion level | Partial Immersion | Full Immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Pricey |
| Devices | tablets, smartphones, smart glasses | Head-mounted displays (HMDs) VR headsets, Head-mounted displays |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulations |
Let's explore some of these distinctions more thoroughly.
Definition
Augmented reality is a way to overlay digital data onto the actual world to help people comprehend it more clearly. Virtual reality, however does not communicate with reality. It instead allows the user to be immersed in an entirely different digital world.
Examples
Imagine that you're educating students about our body. By using VR, you'll make an experience that is immersive, where the learners are transported within the human body and are able to study its workings. You can play with the various organs, zoom to view the details of each organ, and even witness how each body system functions in real-time. This creates a very exciting and interesting learning environment for students to study in.
In contrast it is possible to use 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 top of the page. This allows the students to engage with the model and look at its many parts and see how it functions with respect to various organs. Students can also view the actual textbook underneath this, which provides a mixed learning environment.
Cost
Augmented reality can be cheaper than virtual reality because it needs less equipment.
When using AR it is common to require a tablet or smartphone and an AR app to get started. A majority of AR apps for education have a free plan and the paid plans starting at $100 or less.
In contrast VR needs a headset that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset costs about $500, while Apple's Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. There is also the possibility of having to invest in a powerful PC to use this VR software.
Practical suggestions for using Augmented Reality in the classroom
Keep the following in mind while using AR to help improve the teaching and learning.
Connect the technology with the learning goals
It doesn't matter how well-developed the AR program or application is. If it's not helping you reach your learning goals It's probably not the right tool.
Write three to five things that you want students to know how to do at the conclusion of your course. Say you're teaching a class on the solar system. your objectives for learning could be like this:
- Students must be aware of the structure of the solar system
- Students should be able to distinguish the difference between orbits and the rotation
- Students should be able to recognize the planets that make up our galaxy
After you've outlined these goals, the next question is, "What AR tools can aid me in accomplishing these goals?" For example, you could use a virtual projector to display realistic pictures of the solar system.
Consider your budget
Discover low-cost AR tools that are easy to maintain and use. What you don't want is to expose students to augmented reality only to quit in the future since you aren't able to maintain or repair the devices.
There are numerous free and affordable AR tools for different educational use cases We have previously mentioned a few of them in this piece. Geogebra is an excellent example in this article. You can find others using a basic Google search of no cost AR applications.
Carry the learners to
You also need to consider the level of knowledge that learners have. If they have no idea about how AR tools function It is best to begin with simple AR software including 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex applications as they become more knowledgeable about this technology.
Augmented reality can't substitute the fundamental experiences of learning
Consider augmented reality the icing on the cake. It can enhance the learning experience, but it can't fix the broken systems like a lack of clearly defined learning goals, inadequate preparation, and inadequate feedback.
Pay attention to these fundamental learning requirements first. When you've fulfilled the requirements, you may incorporate augmented reality to deliver even better experiences for learners.
Augmented reality FAQs
Find answers to frequently requested questions on the use of augmented reality in schools.
What can I do to start using AR in my class?
The first step is to determine where exactly augmented reality fits into the current teaching setup. Then, you should research affordable AR software and tools. Start with inexpensive AR software that works on smartphones before you invest on more costly hardware.
In the next step, slowly introduce your students to the latest AR set-up for learning. Explain why AR can be and explain how it could be used in the classroom. Show them some examples of AR experiences and allow them to explore AR software and apps independently.
Do you have affordable AR tools to use in schools?
There are affordable AR software and apps for educational institutions. One good example would be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. The free version is available and the paid plans start at $74.99.
Which subjects can benefit best from AR Integration?
AR integration is primarily useful for subjects with spatial or visual components such as History, Science, and Arts. In science, for instance learners may use AR to engage through virtual simulations of chemical substances or explore virtual animals.
In history, they can discover ancient civilizations through overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography it is possible to explore different countries and cultures by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks on real-world sites. When it comes to art, they are able to use AR to bring their art to life in 3D.
What are the most common uses of augmented reality in education?
There are many ways to use augmented reality in order to boost learning and teaching within the school. For example, you can add 3D animations or models into your textbooks, making them more engaging. Additionally, you can visualize actual situations like a plant germinating in the soil, and abstract concepts from science.