Augmented Reality for Education
In the past, students could only get information about the human skeleton in video, images or a realistic anatomical model. Now, you can project a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of a human's skeleton right in your classroom. This is just one of the many ways augmented reality has transformed teaching and learning.
Let's dive deep into augmented reality in education as well as the many practical use cases. We'll cover:
- What are the implications of augmented reality for education?
- What are the benefits of using augmented reality for education?
- applications of augmented reality for education
- Augmented reality and. Virtual reality
- Practical guidelines for implementing augmented reality in your classroom
- Augmented reality does not replace fundamental learning experiences
- FAQs
What is augmented reality in education?
Augmented Reality in Education (AR) involves bringing digital technologies to the physical class to aid students comprehend real-world concepts more easily. It doesn't replace reality; rather, it helps learners as well as teachers understand otherwise difficult and obscure ideas.
Let's say you're teaching about our solar system. Instead of simply talking about it, you bring in the holographic projection device. With it, you could show the sun as well as all the planets orbiting around it in 3D within the classroom. It is possible to make the planets larger or smaller, rotate the globe around, or Zoom in for more the details.
It allows students to understand the size and layout of solar systems in a manner which is much more exciting and immersive than typical diagrams or illustrations. Instead of simply reading the pages of a book, scanning images, or watching videos, learners can engage in the solar system live and actually see how everything fits together.
What are the advantages of augmented reality in education?
We'll look at a few reasons why it's worth incorporating augmented reality into the educational environment.
It enhances accessibility for students in the classroom.
Learn about solar systems in our class for instance. This is how you can utilize AR for different learning styles:
- Visual learners: Use an AR application that displays a scaled-down model of solar systems within the classroom. Visual learners are able to see all the planets that orbit the sun, look at their size in relation to each other, and even witness phenomena like eclipses or planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: Discuss key details about the planets -- like its unique characteristics and its composition during the time that the AR model is in use.
- Reading students Offer supplementary reading material or text overlays that are part of the app including planet-related information as well as trivial discovery.
- Kinesthetic learners: Let the kinesthetic learners interact with the solar system virtual with touch gestures and motion controls. For example, students can "grab" the planets and move them about, and then adjust their orbits.
This creates a more inclusive educational environment which permits students to study at their own pace and in a manner that best suits their individual needs. Every student will be included regardless of the method they choose to learn.
It assists students in understanding complicated concepts
If you've never looked at an onion before and you've seen someone spend long hours describing what it looks like, you might not fully know what that is. The visual representation, nevertheless, makes it more comprehensible.
Augmented reality can be even more effective. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. For example, they can zoom into the virtual onion in order to see the texture of the onion. Additionally, they could "peel off" every layer in order to view the inside structure of the onion.
When they finish the class, students will be able to identify what an onion is and can explain the concept as clearly as anyone who's experienced an actual onion.
Augmented reality applications in education
After you've got an understanding of the concept of augmented reality and the benefits it offers, let's take a examine some actual instances of how to incorporate AR into classrooms.
AR within STEM
The HTML0 format has two major AR use cases in STEM education: inquiry-based simulation, and problem-based simulation.
Simulation based on inquiry
It involves making use of AR apps to visualize abstract concepts and situations so that they are easier to explore and study. This provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of complex subjects.
The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is an excellent example. It lets students build interactive 3D models from geometric shapes as they solve equations. It allows them to zoom in on different aspects of the shape and modify its structure per the mathematical equation.
It allows students to learn math concepts in a fun method.
Problem-based simulation
Make use of AR to design real-world situations that demand problem-solvingin a group or in a self-directed context.
An excellent example can be found in AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive simulation that lets students connect circuit boards in virtual reality. They can experiment with different configurations, conductors, and settings to discover how changes in these settings affect the inner functioning of the electricity circuit.
Speaking on what inspired the app, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born out of the need to bridge the technology gap in Zambian schools, particularly for Chemistry and Physics classes.
AR in History and Art
The biggest application of AR in historical context is in immersive learning. It can help you recreate historic events and make learning more enjoyable.
One application that can do the job well can do this really well is Living History, which is typically used in museums for guided tours that are self-guided. The app evokes the spectre of characters from the past that recreate exactly what happened in the past.
Imagine you're in the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking at notes and pictures, you walk through ghost-like images of soldiers fighting along with the terrain and trenches that were the battlefield.
Other uses of AR in the fields of art and history comprise:
- Digital graffiti allows students to create beautiful graffiti without damaging walls. There are many mobile apps for this, including Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art production that lets students convert their paintings and sketches to 3D works that they can play with. Imagine a sketch of an image of a home; they could transform it into a real-life housing structure and place it wherever they want using FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art shows right in the classroom. Students can use Artivive to create beautiful AR artwork at no cost.
AR in the field of medicine
Augmented Reality is utilized for scenarios in medical education. Simulations based on case involve providing students with an intricate situation that resembles a realistic scenario they could encounter during their professional lives. It helps them apply their skills practically and develop fundamental competencies to be useful in the real-world.
A good instance can be found in AccuVein an image-based vein visualization technology. It uses augmented reality to display an image of the veins on the skin. This helps doctors locate veins quickly and precisely.
Medical students are able to use the AccuVein device to learn how to identify veins on a model patient. AccuVein provides instant feedback that helps students to improve their accuracy and technique.
Augmented Reality vs. Virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Below is a table which demonstrates how these techs compete against each other.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Connects digital information to the real world | Allows users to experience the world of virtual reality |
| Interaction with real life | Digital content overlays on actual world | replaces the real world with a digital one |
| Immersion level | Partial Immersion | Full immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Pricey |
| Devices | Tablets, smartphones, smart glasses | Displays with head-mounted sensors (HMDs) VR headsets, Head-mounted displays |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulations |
Let's explore some of these distinctions further.
Definition
Augmented Reality overlays digital data over the reality so that people can comprehend it more clearly. Virtual reality, on the other does not interact with the real world. Rather, it immerses the learner in an entirely digital universe.
Examples
If you're educating students about the human body. Through VR, you'll be able to make an experience that is immersive, where the learners are transported within the human body and are able to study its workings. Students can engage with various organs, zoom to view the details of each organ, and observe how every body system functions in real-time. This creates a very exciting and interesting setting for students to learn in.
On the other hand it is possible to use AR, you can look up a text book page on the human heart, and view a 3D model of the heart at the top of the page. The students can engage with the model and examine its various parts and observe how they function with respect to other organs. The students can still view the actual textbook underneath, which creates a more blended learning experience.
Cost
Augmented reality generally costs less than virtual reality as it uses lesser hardware.
With AR it is common to require a tablet or smartphone and an AR app to get started. The majority of AR applications for schools have plans that are free -- with premium plans that cost $100 or less.
In contrast VR requires the use of a headset, which can run hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For example, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset costs about $500, while Apple's Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. It is also possible to purchase a high-end computer to use your VR software.
Practical guidelines for the implementation of AR in classrooms
Keep the following in mind when you are using augmented reality to improve education and learning.
Match the technology to educational goals
No matter how advanced the AR program or application is. If it's not assisting you to reach your learning goals Then it's not the appropriate tool.
Write down three to five items you'd like your students to be able do by the end of course. If you're a teacher regarding the solar system. your objectives for learning could be as follows:
- Students must be aware of how the solar system
- Students need to be able to distinguish orbits from rotation
- The students should be able to identify the planets in our galaxy
Once you've listed these, the next question is, "What AR tools can aid me in accomplishing these goals?" For example, you might use a virtual projector to display realistic pictures of the solar system.
Consider your budget
Find low-cost AR tools that are easy to maintain and use. The last thing you want is to introduce students to augmented reality only to quit in the future since you aren't able to maintain or upgrade the equipment.
There are many inexpensive and free AR devices for a variety of educational use cases (and we've already mentioned some of them in this post. Geogebra is a good example in this article. It is possible to find other examples by doing a quick Google search for the free AR apps.
Take the students with you
Also, you should consider the level of knowledge that learners have. If they don't know how AR tools work It is best to begin with simple AR applications like 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex devices as they gain more knowledge about this technology.
Augmented reality isn't a substitute for fundamental learning experiences
Consider augmented reality an icing on top of the cake. It could enhance your learning experience but cannot fix broken systems, like a lack of well-defined learning objectives, poor planning, and insufficient feedback.
Pay attention to these fundamental education requirements first. And when you have fulfilled them, you can integrate augmented reality into your curriculum to provide even better experiences for learners.
Augmented Reality FAQs
Find the answers to commonly requested questions on augmented reality in education.
How can I start using AR in my class?
The first step is to determine where exactly augmented reality fits into your current classroom arrangement. Then, you should research affordable AR applications and devices. As an example, you can start by using inexpensive AR software for your phone before investing on more costly hardware.
Introduce your students to the new AR system for teaching. Discuss what AR means and the ways it can be utilized in your classroom. Provide them with examples of AR experiences and allow them to explore AR applications and programs independently.
Are there any affordable AR tools for school use?
Yes, there are budget-friendly AR tools and programs for educational institutions. A good example would be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation tool. It has a free plan and the paid plans start with $74.99.
What topics benefit greatest of AR incorporation?
AR integration can be suitable for classes with spatial or visual components such as History, Science, and Arts. In science, for instance, learners can use AR to interact using virtual simulations of chemical compounds or explore virtual animals.
In history, they can discover ancient civilizations through overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography you can discover diverse cultures and nations by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks onto real-world locations. In art, they can use AR to make their artwork come to life in 3D.
What are the common applications of Augmented Reality in the field of education?
There are many ways you can use augmented realities to enhance learning and teaching within the school. You can, for instance, add 3D models and animations to the textbooks you use to make them more interactive. It is also possible to visualize real-life scenarios, such as a tree germinating from the soil, and abstract concepts in science.