Augmented reality (AR) is gaining ground in many fields, and the cost of such tools is generally going down. Teachers can take advantage of some of these AR tools to improve the way students learn and participate by incorporating digital content into the physical classroom environment.
AR allows you to overlay virtual 3D models, animations and contextual information on the real world through mobile devices or AR headsets. He Franklin Institute provides a good overview of what constitutes AR, as well as The conversation business in the UK and technology and learning. This immersive technology provides unique opportunities for interactive and experiential learning on numerous topics.
For example, in a science class, students could use an AR app to visualize the 3D structure of a molecule they are studying and interact with it by rotating it, changing its size, or even building it atom by atom. For history lessons, AR can transport students to ancient archaeological sites projected on their desks, where they can explore 3D reconstructions of ruins and artifacts. The Google Expeditions tool can allow students to take a virtual tour of South Africa and learn about its geography or visit the Seven new wonders of the world.
As this technology becomes more accessible, AR has the potential to revolutionize classroom learning through immersive and engaging educational experiences. A simple AR app for primary school students is catchy wordswhich allows students to physically grab virtual letters and then arrange them to spell words.
Augmented Reality for Social Studies and Sciences
Several AR apps focus on history and culture and are widely available.
The Xplore-AR app time loop allows AR and virtual tours of a variety of historical sites, natural resources and wildlife. It's only worth downloading the app to see the virtual California Condor exhibit.
The American Battle Monuments Commission offers 360-degree tours of several of its locations. The American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg and the East Coast Memorial on the tip of Manhattan are examples of sites available for virtual tours. Georgia Public Broadcasting has created a GPB Education AR/VR app, which provides various resources for science, social studies, and geography, all with an obvious focus on Georgia. For those without VR tools, the app also offers a 360-degree tour option. Some of the subjects also include quizzes.
AR for Physical Education and Training
Some AR tools can be useful for coaches and physical education teachers.
Fit is a track, field and speed training tool that overlays biometric data onto a video of an athlete to help analyze whether their body angles are correct during competition. As images can be useful in training, the visual aspect of the application can be useful in guiding improvement.
dance reality is an iOS app with the potential to help physical education teachers by using AR technology to place footprints on the floor and help the user learn the steps of a dance.
Fit for battle is an AR app that turns a walk or run into a role-playing game. It can be used outdoors, indoors or even on a treadmill.
Develop AR lessons
For teachers who want to develop their own augmented lessons, EDU Assembler It is a potential development tool. It allows them to create and share lessons with their students or more broadly and includes a variety of lesson plan resources.
Another development tool is Educational CoSpaceswhich allows students and teachers to develop 3D creations that can be animated with code and explored in virtual reality or augmented reality.
Oath 5.0 is an AR tool that allows you to upload photos, videos or 3D objects and then add them to an augmented world. In this way, the real world becomes an incredible canvas for creating and sharing 3D AR experiences.
As AR technology becomes more accessible and integrated into educational practices, it is poised to revolutionize the way we teach and learn, making the classroom an even more engaging, inclusive and effective environment for students around the world.