Augmented Reality in the field of Education

The past was when students could only study the human skeleton through images, videos or real-life anatomical models. Today, it is possible to project 3D hyper-realistic images of the human skeleton during the course. This is only one of many ways that augmented reality has transformed how we teach and learn.

We'll dive deeper into the world of augmented reality, education and the numerous applications. We'll cover:

•       What is augmented reality in the field of education?
•       What are the advantages from Augmented Reality in the classroom?
•       Applications of Augmented reality for education
•       Augmented Reality Vs. virtual reality
•       Practical tips for incorporating AR into classrooms
•       Augmented reality does not take away the essential knowledge and experiences that come with learning
•       FAQs

What exactly is Augmented Reality in the realm of education?

In the classroom, Augmented Reality (AR) is the process of applying digital tools to the physical classroom, to aid students comprehend real-world concepts more effectively. AR doesn't substitute for reality, rather, it helps learners as well as teachers understand otherwise difficult and obscure ideas.

Imagine you're teaching students on our solar system. Instead of speaking about it, you bring in an Holographic projection system. It can display the sun, as well as all planets orbiting around it in 3D at the center of the room. Planets can be made larger or smaller and rotate them around and zoom into for further specifics.

It allows students to understand the scale and arrangement of solar system in a method that is more interesting and engaging than conventional drawings or diagrams. Instead of reading a book, looking at photos or viewing videos, students get interact directly with solar systems on a live basis and actually see the way everything is connected.

What are the benefits of using AR in educational purposes?

Let's look at some reasons why it's worth adding AR in your teaching setting.

This improves accessibility for students who are in class.

Find out more about solar systems during our class for instance. Discover how to utilize AR for various learning styles:

• Visual learners can use an AR program that projects a scaled-down model that shows the solar system inside the classroom. Visual learners are able to observe the orbits of the planets around the sun, observe their sizes relative to one another as well as witnessing things like eclipses or planet rotations.
• Auditory learners: Discuss key information about the planet -including its distinct properties and features -- while using the AR model is active.
• Reading students  Offer additional texts or reading materials in the app, such as facts about planets, trivia and historical discoveries.
• Students who have a kinesthetic sense can play in the solar system virtual through gestures, touches or motion control. For example, students can "grab" planets then move them about and later modify their orbits.

This creates a more inclusive learning environment that permits students to study at their own pace and in a style that best fits their particular needs. No student is left out, no matter the method they study.

Students can learn difficult concepts

If you've never seen an onion in the past and observed someone spending hours describing what it looked as, you're likely to not fully understand what it is. The sight of a photo, however, makes it simpler to grasp.

Augmented reality is actually better. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. For example, they could be able to move their eyes over the virtual onion to observe the texture clearly. In addition, they can "peel off" each layer so that they can observe the onion's structure.

At the end of the course, students should understand what an onion is and should be able define it the same manner as anyone who has actually seen an onion.

Augmented reality is a new technology in the area of education

Once you've a thorough understanding about Augmented Reality and its advantages then let's take a peek at some instances of how you can incorporate AR into the classroom.

AR in STEM

The HTML0 format includes two key AR applications for STEM education: inquiry-based simulation and problem-based simulation

 A simulation based on questions

It is done by making use of AR applications to create abstract scenarios and concepts to make them easier to understand and research. Students get hands-on knowledge of complex topics.

This GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app can be a perfect example. Students can build interactive 3D models using geometric shapes when they work on issues. They can zoom in on different areas of the form, and modify its form in accordance with the formula.

The students can explore math concepts in a fun manner.

Simulation based on a problem

Utilize AR to create real-life situations that need to be solvedeither in groups or in the self-directed setting.

A good example one could be AR Circuit. AR Circuit offers an interactivity simulation which allows students to connect their circuit boards online. Students can play around with various conductors and parameters in addition to examine how these changes affect the inner workings of the electrical circuit.

A discussion was held about the inspiration behind the application, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was created out of the necessity of bridging the gap between technology and Zambian schools, particularly in Chemistry and Physics classes.

AR in History and Art

The biggest application of AR for historical contexts is immersive learning. It can help you recreate historic events and make learning more efficient.

One app that does very well is that is extremely effective at this Living History, which is most often used by museums to facilitate guided tours that are self-guided. The app invokes the spirit of historical characters, who recreate exactly what happened in the past.

Imagine you're in the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking through the photos and notes, you walk through ghost-like silhouettes of soldiers battling with the terrain and trenches that were the battlefield.

The other ways to use AR in the fields of art and history include:

• Digital graffiti lets kids paint beautiful graffiti and without damaging walls. There's a myriad of applications that can be used on mobile devices for this, including Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
• Virtual 3D art that lets students convert their sketches and drawings into 3D artwork that they interact with. Imagine a sketch that a student creates of an image of a home that they can transform into a real-life housing construction and put it anyplace using FeelTheArt.
• Host AR art exhibitions in the classroom. Students can utilize Artivive to design stunning AR artwork at no cost.

AR in the field of medicine

Augmented reality can be used to aid in case-based simulations for medical education. The case-based simulations are designed to give participants complex scenarios that are an actual situation that they might encounter during their careers. Participants are able to use the skills they have learned in a practical manner and build essential skills that can be used for the world of work.

A good instance one is AccuVein which is an visual vein-visualization device that is based on images. It utilizes Augmented Reality to display images of the patient's veins onto the skin. It helps doctors find veins quicker and precisely.

Medical students can use the AccuVein tool to learn how to identify veins on a live human. AccuVein provides real-time feedback in order to aid students improve their accuracy and technique.

Augmented Reality is different from. Virtual reality

Augmented reality and virtual reality can be used interchangeably but the two terms mean distinct things. This table is a brief comparison that demonstrates how these technology compete against one another.

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

Definition

Augmented Reality overlays digital content onto reality to help people understand it more clearly. Virtual reality, however does not have the ability to communicate with the actual world. Rather, it lets the user be immersed in an entirely digital universe.

Examples

If you're teaching a class on our body. By using VR, you'll be able to make an experience that is full of emotion, in which the participants experience a virtual journey inside the human body, allowing students to observe its inner function. The students can interact with various organs, zoom to greater detail and see how every body organ functions live in real time. It creates an exciting and engaging learning environment for learners to take part in.

However, with AR It is possible to browse the text of a book on the heart of a human. It is then possible to view the 3D representation of the human heart up on the page. It allows students to explore the heart model, look at its many parts, and discover how it functions in relation to the other organs. They can be able to see the textbook beneath and this creates a diverse learning space.

Cost

Augmented reality is generally cheaper than virtual reality because it uses less technology.

When using AR, you typically only require a smartphone or tablet as well as an AR application in order to get started. A majority of AR apps for educators are free and premium plans priced at $100 or less.

In contrast VR needs a headset that could cost thousands or hundreds of dollars. For Meta, for instance, their Quest 3 VR headset costs around $500. The Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. It is also possible to purchase a high-end PC that can be able to run the VR software.

Practical guidance for the use in the classroom Augmented Reality in the classroom

Be aware of these tips in the use of Augmented Reality to enhance teaching and learning.

Match the technology to educational goals

It doesn't matter how well-developed the AR program or application is. If it's not assisting you in achieving the goals you have set for yourself in your learning is it not the best software or tool for you.

Create three to five tasks you'd like your students accomplish at the conclusion of the class. If you're a teacher in our solar system. the learning goals you set for your students could be like:

• Students need to understand the components of the solar system.
• Students need to be able distinguish the difference between the two concepts of orbit and rotation
• Students must be able recognize the planets of our galaxy

Once you've defined your goals initially, it is time to consider, "What AR tools can aid me in reaching these goals?" One example is to make use of a virtual projection device for real-time images of the solar system.

Consider your budget

Find low-cost AR tools that are simple to maintain and use. One of the worst things you can do to do is introduce your students to AR but then have them abandon it later because you can't maintain or replace the tools.

There are a variety of inexpensive and affordable AR devices that are used for various educational use instances. We have listed a few in this article. Geogebra is just one here. There are many others available through a simple Google search to find free AR software.

Let the students go along

It is also important to consider the level of knowledge that students have. If they don't know about how AR devices do, they should start with simple AR apps, such as 3D mobile applications. It is possible to introduce more advanced devices as they gain more understanding about AR technology.

Augmented reality isn't a substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning

Imagine augmented reality as the frosting on the cake. It could enhance your learning experience but is not able to fix broken systems for example, a lack clear learning objectives, insufficient planning, or insufficient feedback.

Be aware of these basic education requirements prior to beginning. Once you've met these requirements, then you are able to incorporate augmented reality to deliver more engaging experiences to learners.

Augmented reality FAQs

Answer frequently asked concerns regarding augmented reality in schools.

How do I begin to use AR in my class?

To begin, determine what augmented reality is and how it fits in the present teaching environment. Next, research budget-friendly AR tools and programs. Start by using affordable AR software that runs through your smartphone prior to investing on more costly equipment.

Then, gradually introduce your students to the new AR set-up for learning. Introduce the fundamentals of what AR is and how they can use it to the classroom. Show them some instances of AR learning, and let them to experiment with AR applications and software by themselves.

Do you have any budget-friendly AR equipment to be utilized in schools?

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

Which subjects are the most benefit of AR incorporation?

AR integration can be beneficial for courses that have spatial or visual components like History as well as Science and art. In the field of science, for example students may utilize AR to interact with virtual simulations of chemical compounds or explore virtual animals.

If you are interested in the history of and culture, you can explore the ancient civilisations of the past by overlaying virtual ruins over real-world sites. In Geography you can discover various cultures and countries by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks on real-world sites. Artworkers are able to use AR to make their artwork come to life in 3D.

What are some of the typical applications of Augmented Reality in the field of education?

There are many ways to utilize Augmented Reality to enhance teaching and learning at the level of classroom. For instance, you can, add 3D animations and models to your textbooks, making them more engaging. It is also possible to visualize real-world scenarios, such as a tree sprouting from soil or abstract concepts in science.

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