Augmented Reality in the field of Education
Decades ago, you could only learn about the human skeletal system in videos, pictures or through a realistic anatomical model. Today, you are able to project a 3D hyper-realist model of a human's skeleton within your classroom. This is one of the many ways in which augmented reality has transformed teaching and learning.
We'll take a deeper dive into augmented reality in education, and explore the various practical use cases. We'll cover:
- What exactly is Augmented Reality in the field of education?
- What are the advantages of augmented reality in education?
- Applications of Augmented Reality in Education
- Augmented reality and. Virtual reality
- Practical guidelines on how to incorporate augmented reality in classes
- Augmented Reality doesn't substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning
- FAQs
What exactly is Augmented Reality in education?
Augmented reality in education (AR) means adding digital technologies to the physical class to aid students grasp real-world concepts. It doesn't replace reality; instead, it assists students and teachers comprehend otherwise elusive and obscure ideas.
Imagine that you're educating students on the solar system. Instead of speaking about it, you bring in a Holographic projector. It can show the sun and all the planets that orbit around it in 3D right within the class. It is possible to make the planets larger or smaller, rotate the planets around and close in on the details.
The students can see the size and layout that the solar system has in a fashion that is more interesting and deep than conventional diagrams or illustrations. Instead of reading books, browsing through pictures or viewing videos, learners can engage through the solar system live and actually see how everything connects.
What are the advantages of using augmented reality for education?
Let's look at some advantages of integrating Augmented Reality into your educational setting.
It increases accessibility in the classroom
Learn about solar systems in our course, for instance. This is how you can utilize AR to teach different styles of learning:
- Visual learners can use an AR software that project models that are scaled down of the solar system into the classroom. Visual learners can see the planets orbiting the sun, look at their sizes relative to each other, and even witness things like eclipses or planet rotations.
- Auditory learners: discuss important facts about every planetsuch as its distinctive characteristics and its composition during the time that an AR model is running.
- Reading learners Offer supplementary texts or reading overlays within the app, like planet information as well as trivial research.
- Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners interact with the solar system virtual using touch gestures or motion controls. For example, students can "grab" objects, move them around, and adjust their orbits.
This creates a more inclusive learning environment, which permits students to study in their own way and in a manner that best suits their individual preferences. There is no one left out regardless of what they study.
It helps students grasp difficult concepts
If you've not seen an onion, and no one spent long hours describing what it looks like, you might not fully comprehend what the word signifies. The visual representation, however, makes it much 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. For example, they can move their eyes around the virtual onion and observe its texture closely. And they can also "peel off" each layer to see the onion's inner structure.
At the end of the course, students should understand what an onion actually is, and be able to describe it in the same way as anyone who's experienced the real thing.
Applications of augmented reality in the field of education
Now that you have an understanding of the concept of the concept of AR and its advantages, let's examine some actual instances of how to incorporate AR into the classroom.
AR in STEM
There are two main AR applications in STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation as well as problem-based
A simulation based on questions
It is done by the use of AR software to help create abstract scenarios and concepts to make them easier to investigate and explore. This provides students with practical experience in complicated subjects.
The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is an excellent example. It lets students build interactive 3D models from geometric shapes as they solve problems. They can zoom into different aspects of the shape and change its design according to the mathematical equation.
It allows students to learn mathematical concepts in a hands-on manner.
Problem-based simulation
Make use of AR to create real-life scenarios that require problem-solving -- whether as a group or as a self-directed group.
An excellent example one is AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive game which lets students connect circuit boards online. Students can play around with various configurations, conductors, and settings to observe how the changes impact the workings of an electricity circuit.
On the basis of what motivated AR Circuit, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born of the necessity of bridging the gap between equipment and Zambian schools, specifically for Chemistry and Physics classes.
AR within History and Art
The most significant application for AR in historical context is in immersive learning. It helps you to recreate historical events to make interactive learning more effective.
One application that can do the job well one app that does this very well Living History, which is typically used in museums for guided tours that are self-guided. It conjures apparitions of characters from the past that recreate the exact events that happened in the past.
Say you're walking through the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of looking only at notes and pictures, you walk through ghost-like silhouettes of soldiers fighting -- with the landscape and trenches of the battlefield.
Other uses of AR in art and history include:
- Digital graffiti that allows users to design beautiful graffiti while not ruining walls. There are a variety of mobile applications that can be used for this, like Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art that allows students to convert drawings and paintings into 3D artworks they can engage with. If a student sketches the outline of a house. They can change it into a realistic house and put it wherever they want using FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art shows right in the classroom. Students can use Artivive to make stunning AR art for no cost.
AR in medicine
Augmented Reality is utilized for cases-based simulations during medical education. The case-based simulations are designed to present students with an intricate scenario that is based on a real circumstance they may encounter in their professional lives. They are able to apply their skills practically and develop core competencies for the real-world.
One good illustration is AccuVein which is a vein-visualization system. It uses augmented reality to project images of the patient's veins onto their skin. This aids medical professionals find veins easily and accurately.
Students in medical school are able to make use of the AccuVein system to practice finding veins on a model patient. AccuVein gives real-time feedback, helping students improve their accuracy and technique.
Augmented reality and. Virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality can be used interchangeably but they mean different things. Below is a table which demonstrates how these techs compete against one another.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Combines digital data with reality | Allows users to experience a completely virtual environment |
| Interaction with real life | Inlays digital content on actual world | Replacing the real world by a virtual one |
| Immersion level | Partial Immersion | Full immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Costly |
| Devices | Tablets, smartphones, smart glasses | Head-mounted displays (HMDs) VR headsets, Head-mounted displays |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulators |
Let's look at a few of these distinctions more thoroughly.
Definition
Augmented Reality overlays digital content on the real world to help people get a better understanding of it. Virtual reality, on the other does not interact with the real world. Instead, it allows the user to be immersed in another world entirely.
Examples
Let's say you're providing a course on the human body. Through VR, you'll be able to make an experience that is immersive, where students can be transported inside the human body and are able to study its workings. They can interact with different organs, zoom in to see details, as well as observe how each body system functions in real-time. It creates an extremely exciting and interesting learning environment for learners to explore.
In contrast it is possible to use AR, you can scan a textbook page about the human heart. You can then see the 3D image of the heart at the high up on the page. The students can play around with the model, look at its many parts and see how it functions as it interacts with various organs. They can be able to see the textbook beneath and this creates a mixed learning environment.
Cost
Augmented reality can be cheaper than virtual reality as it needs smaller hardware.
With AR it is common to need a smartphone or tablet and an AR app to get started. The majority of AR applications for schools have an initial free trial that include premium plans that cost just $100.
In contrast VR needs the use of a headset, which can run hundreds or thousands of dollars. As an example, Meta's Quest 3 VR headset costs around $500. the Apple Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. You might also need to invest in a powerful computer to run the VR software.
Practical tips for implementing augmented reality in the classroom
Be aware of these tips as you use AR to help improve the teaching and learning.
Use the technology in conjunction with educational goals
No matter how advanced the AR software or tool is. If it's unable to help you achieve your goals in learning Then it's not the best tool for you.
Write down three to five items that you would like students to do by the end of class. Say you're teaching a class on the solar system. the learning goals could look like this:
- Students need to understand how the solar system
- Students need to be able to distinguish the orbits and the rotation
- Students should be able to recognize the planets in our galaxy
After you've outlined these goals, the next question is, "What AR tools can assist me in achieving these goals?" For example, you could use a virtual projector for displaying realistic pictures of the solar system.
Consider your budget
Find affordable AR tools that are easy to operate 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 upgrade the equipment.
There are many cheap and cost-effective AR tools that can be used for various educational use cases (and we've previously mentioned a few of them in this article. Geogebra is a good example of this. You can find others by doing a quick Google search to find free AR apps.
Carry the learners along
Also, you should consider the learners' knowledge levels. If they aren't sure what AR devices work you should start with basic AR software like 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex applications as they become more knowledgeable about the AR technology.
Augmented reality isn't a substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning
Consider augmented reality an icing on top of the cake. It could enhance your learning experience, but it isn't able to fix problems with systems such as a lack of clearly defined learning goals, inadequate planning, and insufficient feedback.
Be aware of these basic learning 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 begin to implement AR in my classroom?
The first step is to determine where AR can be integrated into the current teaching setup. After that, look into budget-friendly AR applications and devices. As an example, you can start by using inexpensive AR software that works on smartphones before you invest in more expensive hardware.
Then, gradually introduce your students to the latest AR setup for learning. Discuss what AR can be and explain how it could be used in the classroom. Provide them with examples of AR experiences and let them explore AR software and apps by themselves.
Are there affordable AR equipment for school use?
There are budget-friendly AR tools and programs that are designed specifically for educational institutions. One good example is Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation program. There is a no-cost plan and the paid plans start at $74.99.
Which subjects can benefit best the most AR integration?
AR integration can be beneficial for courses that have visual or spatial components like History, Science, and art. In science, for instance students can make use of AR to interact through the virtual representations of chemical compounds or explore virtual animals.
In history, they can explore ancient civilizations by overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography, they can explore different countries and cultures through overlaying virtual maps and landmarks onto real-world locations. When it comes to art, they are able to use AR to bring their creations to life in 3D.
What are the common applications of augmented reality for education?
There are many ways using augmented reality in order in order to boost learning and teaching within the school. You can, for instance, include 3D animations or models into your textbooks to make them more engaging. You can also visualize real-life scenarios, such as trees sprouting from soil, or abstract scientific concepts.