Augmented Reality in the field of Education
In the past, students could only study the human skeleton in images, videos or real-life anatomical models. Now, you can project a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of a human's skeleton right in the class. This is just one of the numerous ways that augmented reality has transformed the way we teach and learn.
We'll take a deeper dive into augmented reality and education as well as the many applications. We'll cover:
- What is augmented reality in the field of education?
- What are the benefits of Augmented Reality in the classroom?
- applications of augmented reality for education
- Augmented Reality vs. virtual reality
- Practical tips on how to incorporate augmented reality in the classroom
- Augmented reality does not substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning
- FAQs
What is augmented reality in the field of education?
Augmented reality in the classroom (AR) involves bringing digital technologies to the physical classroom to help learners understand real-life concepts better. It doesn't replace reality; rather, it helps learners as well as teachers understand otherwise difficult and obscure ideas.
Imagine that you're educating students on our solar system. Instead of just talking about it, you bring in an holographic projection device. It can display the sun and every planet orbiting around it in 3D at the center of the classroom. The planets can be made larger or smaller, rotate the planets around and Zoom in for more specifics.
It allows students to understand the size and layout of solar systems in a manner that is more interesting and immersive than traditional diagrams or illustrations. Instead of simply reading a book, looking at photos, or watching videos, students are able to interact with the solar system live and actually see how everything connects.
What are the benefits of using augmented reality for education?
Let's look at some reasons why it's worth incorporating AR into your learning context.
It increases accessibility for students in the classroom.
Learn about solar systems in our class for instance. Learn how to use AR for different learning styles:
- Visual learners: Make use of an AR application that displays a scaled-down model of the solar system into the classroom. Visual learners are able to see the planets orbiting the sun, look at their size in relation to each other, and even witness events like eclipses and planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: Discuss key facts about every planet- like its unique features and composition -- while using the AR model is active.
- Reading students : Provide supplementary reading material or text overlays within the app, including planet-related information, trivia, and historical discoveries.
- Learners who are kinesthetic: let kinesthetic learners interact with the solar system virtual by using gestures, touch or motion controls. For example, students can "grab" planets, move them about, and then adjust their orbits.
This creates a more inclusive learning environment that permits students to study at their own pace and in a way which best fits their particular preferences. No student is left out, no matter how they learn.
It helps students grasp difficult concepts
If you've not seen an onion before and you've seen someone spend long hours describing what it looked like, you might not fully understand what it is. Seeing a picture, nevertheless, makes it simpler to comprehend.
Augmented reality is even better. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. They can, for instance, move their eyes around the virtual onion in order to see the texture in detail. Additionally, they could "peel off" each layer so that they can see the onion's inner structure.
At the end of the course, students should know what an onion is and will be able to explain it in the same way as someone who's seen an actual onion.
Augmented reality applications in the field of education
After you've got an in-depth understanding of Augmented Reality and its advantages, let's take a look at some instances of how to incorporate AR into classrooms.
AR in STEM
The HTML0 format has two major AR applications within 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 so that they are easier to explore and study. Students are provided with practical experience in complicated subjects.
The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is a great example here. Students can build interactive 3D models from geometric shapes as they solve problems. It allows them to zoom in on different areas of the shape, and alter its shape according to the formula.
The students can explore math concepts in a fun manner.
Problem-based simulation
Use AR to create real-life situations that need to be solvedeither in groups or in a self-directed context.
A good example one is AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive simulation which lets students connect circuit boards online. They can experiment with different parameters and conductors as well as observe how the changes impact the internal 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 Chemistry and Physics classes.
AR within History and Art
The biggest application of AR in historical context is immersive learning. It can help you recreate historic events and make learning more efficient.
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 historic characters who reenact exactly what happened in the past.
Say you're walking through the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of simply looking at the notes and photos, you walk through ghost-like silhouettes of soldiers fighting along with the terrain and trenches that were the battlefield.
Other applications of AR in the fields of art and history include:
- Digital graffiti allows students to make beautiful graffiti, without ruining walls. There are a variety of mobile applications for this, including Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art that lets students convert their sketches and drawings into 3D art pieces that they can interact with. Say a student draws an image of a home; they could transform it into a real-life housing structure and place the structure anywhere using FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art shows right in the classroom. Students can 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. The case-based simulations are designed to present participants with a complicated scenario that is based on a real circumstance they may encounter in their careers. They are able to apply their skills practically and develop fundamental competencies to be useful in life in the real-world.
A good example is AccuVein an image-based vein visualization device. It makes use of Augmented Reality to display images of the patient's veins onto the skin. This helps medical professionals locate veins more quickly and precisely.
Medical students may utilize the AccuVein system to practice finding veins in a live patient. AccuVein gives real-time feedback to help students increase their accuracy and technique.
Augmented Reality vs. Virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, but the two terms mean something different. Here's a quick comparison table showing how these technologies pit against one another.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Connects digital information to reality | Injects users into an entirely virtual world |
| Interaction with real life | Overlays digital content onto reality | Replaces the real world with a digital one |
| Immersion level | Partial immersion | Full Immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Pricey |
| Devices | tablets, smartphones, smart glasses | Head-mounted displays (HMDs), VR headsets |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulators |
Let's examine a few of these distinctions more thoroughly.
Definition
Augmented Reality overlays digital content onto the actual world so that people can understand it better. Virtual reality, however isn't able to connect to the actual world. Rather, it allows the user to be immersed in an entirely digital universe.
Examples
If you're providing a course on our body. With VR, you can make an experience that is immersive, where the students are virtually transported within the human body, allowing them to see its internal functioning. You can play with the various organs, zoom for more details and even witness how each body system functions in real-time. This creates a very exciting and interesting learning environment for students to learn in.
On the other hand using AR It is possible to look up a text book page on the human heart. You can then see the 3D image of the heart on high up on the page. This allows the students to play around with the model, look at its many parts and see how it functions in relation to the other organs. They can be able to see the textbook beneath, which creates a more mixed learning environment.
Cost
Augmented reality is generally cheaper than virtual reality as it needs less equipment.
With AR, you typically only need a smartphone or tablet as well as an AR app to start. Most AR apps designed for educators come with a free plan -- with premium plans that cost 100 or less.
In contrast VR needs a headset that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In the case of Meta, for instance, their Quest 3 VR headset costs around $500. Apple's Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. It is also possible to buy a powerful PC to run the VR software.
Practical guidelines for the implementation of Augmented Reality in the classroom
Be aware of these tips as you use augmented reality to improve teaching and learning.
Match the technology to learning objectives
It doesn't matter how well-developed the AR software or tool is. If it's not helping you achieve your goals in learning, then it's not the right tool.
Write three to five things that you want students to to do at the end of the class. If you're a teacher on the solar system. your learning objectives might look as follows:
- Students should understand the composition of the solar system
- Students need to be able distinguish the difference between orbits and rotation
- Students must be able recognize the planets of our galaxy
After you've outlined these goals first, you need to ask, "What AR tools can help me accomplish these objectives?" For example, you could use a virtual projector for displaying realistic pictures of our solar system.
Consider your budget
Find low-cost AR devices that are easy to use and maintain. The last thing you want is to introduce students to AR only to abandon it later because you can't maintain or replace the tools.
There are a variety of cheap and cost-effective AR tools that can be used for various educational use cases -- and we have listed a few in this post. Geogebra is one of them here. There are many others available with a simple Google search to find free AR applications.
Take the students along
It is also important to take into account the learners' knowledge levels. If they have no idea what AR tools work you should start with simple AR apps like 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex devices as they gain more knowledge about the AR technology.
Augmented reality isn't a substitute for the fundamental experiences of learning
Imagine augmented reality as the frosting on the cake. It can enhance the learning experience, but it cannot fix broken systems, such as a lack of clear learning objectives, insufficient preparation, and inadequate feedback.
Pay attention to these fundamental educational requirements before you start. Once you've met these requirements, then you are able to incorporate augmented reality to deliver more engaging experiences to students.
Augmented reality FAQs
Get answers to commonly requested questions on augmented reality in education.
How can I start using AR in my classroom?
To begin, determine how exactly augmented reality fits into the current teaching setup. Next, research budget-friendly AR tools and software. Start with affordable AR software that runs on your phone before investing on more costly hardware.
Then, gradually introduce your students to the new AR setup for learning. Explain the basics of what AR means and the ways it can be applied in the classroom. Show them some examples of AR experience, then allow them to explore AR software and apps on their own.
Are there any affordable AR tools to use in schools?
There are budget-friendly AR tools and applications for educational institutions. One good example would be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation program. The free version is available and the paid plans start at $74.99.
What subjects benefit the greatest of AR incorporation?
AR integration can be beneficial for courses that have spatial or visual components such as History, Science, and art. In science, for instance learners may use AR to interact through digital simulations of chemical compounds or explore virtual animals.
For those interested in history, they may look into ancient civilizations by overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography you can discover various cultures and countries by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks over real-world places. In art, they can utilize AR to bring their creations to life in 3D.
What are some of the typical applications of Augmented Reality in the field of education?
There are a variety of ways you can use augmented realities to improve teaching and learning at the level of classroom. You can, for instance, add 3D animations and models to your textbooks, making them more engaging. You can also visualize real-life situations, like a tree germinating from the soil, or abstract scientific concepts.