Augmented Reality in Education: An Overview
Augmented Reality is the use of computer technology to superimpose digital information onto a user’s view of reality. AR today is being increasingly used by businesses to enhance customer experiences and offer new and improved services. This article explores the many benefits of augmented reality in education, from elementary school through post-secondary training. AR is making its mark in education with some amazing implementations and rollouts. In this article, we explore the many ways AR can positively impact educational institutions and programs. From enhancing classroom instruction, to expanding the availability of educational resources, augmented reality has a host of positive benefits for students, teachers, professors, librarians and more. Let’s take a look at how AR is changing education for the better
Augmented Reality in Education: An Overview
AR is a computer-generated overlay that supports digital objects in the real world, creating new experiences for the person seeing it. One of the most popular usages of AR is gaming, where a user’s view of reality is overlaid with digital content such as graphics, scenes or characters. AR’s uses extend far beyond gaming, however. For example, Augmented Reality healthcare applications enable patients to see their medical images overlaid with a digital overlay that shows how their body would look with certain digital enhancements. AR has become an essential technology in the world of education. With the ability to superimpose digital information onto real-world spaces, AR has the potential to bring a host of benefits to the classroom. Students can learn more effectively with AR tools like ARVR headsets, while instructors can incorporate AR into their lessons to enhance their content or even create custom content.
AR for Teaching
Augmented Reality is a technology that can help teachers engage their students more effectively by enhancing their learning experience with AR-enabled tools. For example AR-enabled mobile devices like smartphones can be used to overlay digital content on top of physical spaces, making AR a great tool for providing additional information about the environment and things within it. This can be used for a range of purposes including AR games that allow the user to explore and learn about their surroundings, AR educational apps for students that add relevant information about the subject at hand or AR instructions for teachers that interact with their class in a more engaging way. AR can be used to help students who may have difficulty with a particular subject, like chemistry, by combining digital content with real-world chemistry tools like beakers and other equipment. This virtual content can be created as a 3D model that uses computer graphics to create the model, or as a 2D overlay on top of a photograph. This can enable students to explore the subject more effectively.
AR for Research and Libraries
AR can also be used by libraries and research departments to provide additional information and resources. AR tools can be used to overlay digital information on real-world spaces, with options like overlaying a digital document on top of physical books or providing a digital map of a library or museum. These options allow researchers to explore and find information about relevant topics or find specific information or resources within the space like books, exhibits or maps. AR can also be used to highlight specific aspects of a space or item like the specific topic of chemistry explored in the previous example. With the rise AR implementation in libraries, researchers and scholars alike can find themselves with ready access to a wealth of information. With the ability to overlay digital information on real-world spaces, AR is a great tool for researchers to find and explore resources.
AR for Classroom Instruction
As expected, AR can be used to enhance the instruction process by creating customized virtual lessons that can be delved into through an AR-enabled device. AR tools can be used to create interactive lessons that let students learn while they engage. With an AR-enabled device, students can explore 3D models, watch lessons or tutorials, and access virtual textbooks. This allows students to learn while they engage, while teachers can create lessons that are customised to the specific needs of their students. AR can be used to create virtual textbooks that let students explore the subject matter in a more engaging way. For example, AR can be used to overlay virtual models of buildings, art or other items that are covered in the course. This lets students explore the subject matter in a more engaging way and can also be used to create a virtual model of the place where the course takes place.
Conclusion
As its use becomes more popular, augmented reality is being adopted by a host of industries looking to enrich their customers’ experiences. From gaming to healthcare, AR is being used to create new and engaging experiences that can be used by customers to make the most of their experience. With such an array of benefits, it’s easy to see why AR is quickly making its way into the education space as well. With the ability to overlay digital information on real-world spaces, AR can be used to provide additional information about the environment, explore 3D models, create custom virtual lessons and much more. With the benefits of AR, education can see a host of positive impacts from this technology, from engaging students with custom lessons, to providing research resources, to even exploring buildings and museums.