Augmented Reality: A Glance Into Education World

"I believe that augmented reality will be the biggest technological revolution that happens in our lifetime." -Tim Sweeney

Has it ever happened to you that you hear terms or expressions and think, what the heck is that? Did you think that way when you read the title of this blog post and saw the words "augmented reality?" There's no need to worry, many people have had the same reaction when they first became familiar with the expression Augmented Reality (AR). In today's article, when you see the acronym AR, know that it's Augmented Reality. Anyway, back to the main point, AR is greatly affecting education and changing the way teachers are conducting their classes. Over the past decade, technology has well and truly entered the classroom, from interactive whiteboards and new PCs. But, during this time students have powered ahead in their use of technology, becoming what some people call ‘Digital Natives‘ – a fully formed group of people for whom technology isn’t new, confusing and maybe to be feared but to be embraced fully into their daily lives. In many respects, students have left classroom technology well in their wake. So, without further ado, the purpose of this blog post is to put you in the picture of what AR is and how it’s already impacting the way that we learn. Let's learn more!

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Do Students Need Technology in the Classroom?

If you thought that old-school methods without technology were still the best, you need to think again because the evidence is not in your favour. For instance, a report by EU Kids Online shows that in the UK, a third of children as young as three to four years old go online using a personal computer, netbook or tablet regularly. Some 87% of children aged five to seven also use the Internet, representing a 68% rise from 2007 to 2012. These trends are not solely occurring in the UK but they are quite similar across the globe, with developed countries like South Korea boasting the world’s highest speed Internet penetration. Children are used to the very latest features which give games a more realistic feel. One of these features is AR, in which layers of digital information – comprising photographs, videos and sounds – are superimposed over the ‘real world’ around them. Also, it's worth stating that many students are already using AR technology around them. There are two types of AR technology utilised in classrooms these days:

• Mobile devices fitted with GPS technology, sense movement and position,
• Relatively immobile devices like laptops and personal computers, also recognise a person's geographic position.

But, what does augmented reality look, sound, and feel like? Let's consider the following subheading.

What Does Augmented Reality Look, Sound and Feel Like?

Let’s take a look at examples of where AR is already at work, to get a sense of what it can bring to a lesson that could ordinarily be boring and theoretical. For newbies, a great place to start is LearnAR. Their technology allows teachers to superimpose the intestines, lungs and liver, over an actual student’s body, giving students an excellent indication of where these organs are actually located. Imagine the fun to be had in that during science class! Let's consider three different software systems that can be utilised for Augmented Reality (AR).

LearnAR

LearnAR offers various free learning resources, on everything from Chemistry to Physics, Maths, and even foreign languages that are part of the National Curriculum. Augmented Reality leaves indelible images and sounds in the minds of young learners. Also, it's worth stating that realistic imagery is great as it also encourages higher-order thinking and provokes intelligent questions and discussions which are not likely to ensue from the typical drawing one might find within a science book.

GoogleSketchUp

Another popular resource is a free plugin for GoogleSketchUp. This allows students to study and analyse the 3D models they have created in the physical space which surrounds them and to share their creations with other classmates. To accomplish this, all students need is a webcam, a personal computer and a printed code attached to the required software.

The Inglobe Technologies Website

A fascinating website that provides a short video presentation which shows how AR can be used in areas like 3D Design, the Inglobe Technologies Website has a video in which a 3D house is rotated and viewed from the top (without the roof so that rooms can be clearly visualised) and by floor (e.g. budding designers can enjoy an aerial view of the ground floor of a two-story house by simply ‘removing’ the second floor). The different angle views are an excellent way not only to hone students’ design skills but also to present material on a wide range of subjects. The plugin is impressive, allowing students to section across any axis of a 3D design, present objects with real-time shadows and present their material in timed slideshows. Some of the most fascinating ways the plugin can be used include:

• Moving the maker/camera to make it seem like an animal is approaching a student,
• To present a puppet show using puppets designed in 3D on GoogleSketchUp,
• To superimpose a famous person’s face on a student’s, 
• Using virtual scenery to make a video for anything from history to maths assignments,
• To view realistic maps of existing cities so students can build their own sustainable cities.

The sky is truly the limit when it comes to using AR in class; if you are a teacher and are unsure as to its scope, why not set an assignment for students, which involves them using AR in any way they can dream up, to present a particular area they are currently studying in class? But, is AR a phase or is it here to stay for the long run? Let's find out the answer in the subsequent paragraphs.

What are the Statistics on Augmented Reality?

AR can make the studying experience fun. For example, in the commercial sector, surveys have found that consumers value AR products 33% higher than non-augmented reality products. According to Juniper Research, AR apps for mobiles will continue to reap billions of pounds in the following years to come. According to the report, the games sector will reap the greatest revenue in the world of AR, though this technology will increasingly be applied to other sectors as well, such as lifestyle, business and general entertainment applications. Education, in my mind, also has to be a massive market for this technology. So, the proof is in the pudding, the Augmented Reality stats are mad and show serious ways for improvement.

What is the Future of Augmented Reality?

Although AR is already doing plenty to make classes more entertaining and informative, some critics note that since this technology is dependent on a screen, it lacks the realistic feel that children could experience if, they say, they could actually ‘hold’ a 3D object in their hands or see it on their desk. Will that be remedied? Absolutely. It's worth stating that the good news is that engineers are making great progress in technologies such as special AR goggles; which serious ‘gamers’ and ‘techies’ are already using. It may be a while before the goggles are affordable enough for use in schools, but the ever-increasing number of new technologies means that soon, AR will be more tangible and realistic than ever before. Teachers who are already relying on AR look forward to the day when they can share and be inspired by resources and 3D images created by other teachers and their students. In conclusion, Augmented Reality is something that is being used and will continue to be used for educational purposes. If you know more about the subject, why don’t you tell us about what you see as the potential of AR in education, by adding a comment below? We hope to hear from you!