Augmented Reality in Education

In the past, students could only get information about the human skeleton in video, images or real-life anatomical models. Nowadays, you can show a 3D hyper-realist model of a human's skeleton within your class. This is one of the many ways augmented reality has changed the way we teach and learn.

Let's dive deep into augmented reality and education, and explore the various examples of practical applications. We'll cover:

•       What exactly is Augmented Reality in education?  
•       What are the advantages of using augmented reality for education?  
•       Applications of augmented reality in education
•       Augmented Reality vs. virtual reality
•       Practical tips on how to incorporate augmented reality in your classroom
•       Augmented reality can't replace fundamental learning experiences
•       FAQs

What exactly is Augmented Reality in education?

Augmented reality in the classroom (AR) means adding digital technology to a physical classroom to help learners grasp real-world concepts. It doesn't replace reality; instead, it assists students and instructors visualize otherwise abstract and obscure ideas.

Let's say you're teaching about the solar system. Instead of simply discussing the solar system, you decide to bring in the holographic projector. It can show the sun and all the planets that orbit around it in 3D right at the center of the class. It is possible to make the planets larger or smaller, rotate the globe around, or Zoom in for more the details.

This allows learners to see the dimensions and arrangements that the solar system has in a fashion which is much more exciting and immersive than traditional drawings or diagrams. Instead of just reading from a book, looking at pictures or videos, students can interact through the solar system live and see exactly how it all connects.

What are the benefits of augmented reality in education?

Let's take a look at the reasons why it's worth incorporating AR into your education environment.

It improves accessibility in the classroom

Learn about solar systems in our class for instance. Learn how to use AR to teach different styles of learning:

• Visual learners can use an AR software that project a scaled-down model of the solar system within the classroom. Visual learners can see the planets orbiting the sun, look at their sizes relative to each other, and even witness events like eclipses and planetary rotations.

• Auditory learners: discuss important facts about every planetsuch as its distinctive characteristics and its composition while an AR model is running.

• Reading students : Provide supplementary reading materials or digital text overlays within the app, like planet information, trivia, and historical research.

• Students who use kinesthetics: Allow the kinesthetic learners play with the virtual solar system by using gestures, touch or motion controls. As an example, they can "grab" planets, move them about, and then adjust their orbits.

This creates a more inclusive learning environment, which permits students to study according to their own schedule and in a manner which best fits their particular requirements. There is no one left out, no matter how they learn.

It helps students grasp complex concepts

If you've never seen an onion and someone spent the entire time explaining the appearance of an onion but you may not understand what it means. The visual representation, but, it makes it easier to understand.

Augmented reality is even better. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. As an example, they could look into the virtual onion and observe the texture of the onion. And they can also "peel off" each layer to see the inside structure of the onion.

By the end of the course, students should understand what an onion actually is and will be able to explain it as well as anyone who's experienced the real thing.

Augmented reality applications in the field of education

After you've got a clear understanding of augmented reality and its advantages, let's look at some real-life instances of how to incorporate AR in the classroom.

AR in STEM

The HTML0 format has two main AR use cases in STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation and problem-based simulation

 Inquiry-based simulation

It is done by the use of AR software to help visualize abstract concepts and scenarios so that they are easier to investigate and explore. This provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of complex subjects.

The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is a great example here. Students can make interactive 3D models of geometric shapes while solving equations. The students can zoom into various aspects of the shape and modify its structure per the equation.

The students can explore the mathematical concept in a practical way.

 Simulation based on a problem

Make use of AR to create real-life situations that need to be solvedin a group or as a self-directed group.

An excellent example can be found in AR Circuit. AR Circuit is an interactive game that lets students connect circuit boards online. You can test different conductors and settings and observe how the changes impact the internal workings of an electricity circuit.

On the basis of what motivated the application, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born from the necessity of bridging the equipment gap in Zambian schools, particularly for Chemistry and Physics classes.

AR within History and Art

The biggest application of Augmented Reality in the field of history is in immersive learning. Augmented reality can assist in reliving historical events to make interactive learning more effective.

One application that performs this really well is Living History, which is mostly used in museums for self-guided tours. It evokes the ghosts of historic characters who reenact exactly what happened during the past.

Imagine you're in the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking at the pictures and notes the museum is a walkthrough of ghostly images of soldiers fighting along with the terrain and trenches of the battlefield.

Other uses of AR in history and art are:

• Digital graffiti that allows users to design beautiful graffiti while not ruining walls. There are many mobile apps that can be used for this, like Vandaleak as well as Graffiti Go.

• Virtual 3D art creation which allows students to convert drawings and paintings into 3D artworks they can engage with. Imagine a sketch of the outline of a house. They can transform it into a real-life housing structure and place it anywhere with FeelTheArt.

• Host AR art exhibitions in the classroom. Students are able to use Artivive to create beautiful AR art for no cost.

AR in the field of medicine

Augmented Reality is utilized for cases-based simulations during medical education. Case-based simulations involve presenting learners with a complex scenario that is based on a real situation they might encounter in their work lives. They are able to apply their skills practically and develop core competencies for working in the real world.

One good illustration one is AccuVein which is a vein-visualization technology. It makes use of Augmented Reality to display images of the patient's veins onto their skin, which helps medical professionals find veins easily and accurately.

Medical students can use the AccuVein device to learn how to identify veins on a model patient. The system provides real-time feedback that helps students to improve their technique and accuracy.

Augmented reality vs. virtual reality

Virtual reality and Augmented Reality are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Here's a quick comparison table that shows how these technology compete against one another.

Let's look at a few of these differences further.

Definition

Augmented reality overlays digital content onto the actual world so that people can get a better understanding of it. Virtual reality, however isn't able to interact with the real world. Instead, it lets the student be a part of an entirely different digital world.

Examples

If you're teaching about our body. With VR, you can make an experience that is immersive, where students can be transported inside the human body, allowing them to see its internal functioning. Students can engage with various organs, zoom in for more details and observe how every system works in real time. This makes for a highly exciting and interesting learning environment for students to study in.

On the other hand, with AR it is possible to browse through a book about the human heart and see the 3D image of the heart at the top of the page. This allows the students to play around with the model, look at its many parts and observe how they function as it interacts with various organs. The students can still see the physical textbook underneath, which creates a more mixed learning environment.

Cost

Augmented reality generally costs less than virtual reality as it uses less equipment.

For AR generally, you only need a tablet or phone along with an AR app to start. The majority of AR apps designed for educators come with an initial free trial and the paid plans starting at just $100.

However VR requires the use of a headset, which can run hundreds or thousands of dollars. In the case of Meta, for instance, their Quest 3 VR headset costs approximately $500. Apple's Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. You might also need to buy a powerful computer in order to use your VR software.

Practical guidelines for the implementation of Augmented Reality in the classroom

Keep the following in mind as you use Augmented Reality to enhance education and learning.

Match the technology to the learning goals

It doesn't matter how sophisticated the AR software or tool is. If it's not assisting you to reach your learning goals It's probably not the best tool for you.

Write down three to five items you'd like your students to know how to accomplish by the end of class. Say you're teaching a class regarding the solar system. your learning objectives might look as follows:

• Students must be aware of how the solar system.
• Students must be able to differentiate the difference between orbits and rotation
• Students should be able recognize the planets of our galaxy

After you've outlined these goals questions, the next step is, "What AR tools can aid me in accomplishing these goals?" For example, you might make use of a virtual projector in order to display realistic pictures of our solar system.

Consider your budget

Explore low-cost AR tools that are simple to operate and maintain. One of the worst things you can do is to introduce students to AR only to abandon it later since you aren't able to maintain or repair the devices.

There are a variety of free and affordable AR tools for different educational use cases (and we've previously mentioned a few of them in this post. Geogebra is an excellent example here. There are many others available with a simple Google search for free AR applications.

Carry the learners along

You also need to consider the learners' knowledge levels. If they have no idea how AR tools function It is best to begin with simple AR software including 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex devices as they gain more knowledge about the AR technology.

Augmented reality doesn't replace fundamental learning experiences

Consider augmented reality the icing on top of the cake. It can enhance the learning experience, but it can't fix the broken systems such as a lack of clearly defined learning goals, inadequate training, or inadequate feedback.

Make sure you are aware of these essential learning requirements first. When you've fulfilled these requirements, then you are able to incorporate augmented reality to deliver even better experiences for learners.

Augmented Reality FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Augmented Reality in Education.

How can I get started with AR for my class?

To begin, determine how exactly augmented reality fits into your current classroom configuration. Next, research budget-friendly AR software and tools. As an example, you can start by using inexpensive AR software that runs on your phone before investing on more costly hardware.

Introduce your students to the new AR setup for learning. Explain why AR means and the ways it can be used in the classroom. Show them some examples of AR experiences and allow them to explore AR apps and software independently.

Do you have affordable AR devices for school use?

There are budget-friendly AR software and apps designed for schools. One good example would be Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation software. There is a no-cost plan while the paid plans begin at $74.99.

What subjects benefit the most of AR integration?

AR integration can be useful for subjects with visual or spatial components like History, Science, and Art. In science, for instance, learners can use AR to interact using the virtual representations of chemical compounds, or even explore virtual animals.

In the realm of history, they are able to discover ancient civilizations through overlaying virtual ruin sites onto actual locations. In Geography you can discover diverse cultures and nations through overlaying virtual maps and landmarks onto real-world locations. Art students can make use of AR to bring their creations to life in 3D.

What are the common applications of augmented reality in education?

There are a variety of ways to use augmented reality in order to boost learning and teaching in the classroom. For example, you can include 3D animations or models into the textbooks you use to make the material more interactive. You can also visualize real-life situations like trees sprouting from soil, and abstract scientific concepts.