Augmented Reality in Education

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What is Augmented Reality?

In the article “Augmented Reality in Education and Training,” Kangdon Lee defines Augmented Reality (AR) as “a technology that allows computer-generated virtual imagery information to be overlaid onto a live direct or indirect real-world environment in real time” (p. 13). Many people confuse AR with Virtual Reality (VR), but the two are different. In VR the user experiences computer simulated environments, whereas in AR the environment is real. In other words, educators can project a picture for the students to view, and then they can make changes to it or add to it to help portray the information they are teaching.  AR can be employed in many subjects for learning purposes, such as “maths on the lessons about geometry, or with 3D representation of cells in biology, in chemistry displaying molecular structure, in PE a team sport simulation can be established” (Pasaretia, et al., 2011, p. 7). Below are some picture examples of AR at work:

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The above example of AR can be used in a Geography lesson.

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The above example of AR can be used in a Chemistry lesson.

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The above example of AR can be used in a Nursing or Medical lesson.

All of the above examples show how 'real-life' augmented learning is. It allows for experiential learning for the students. Various applications have been developed for AR learning. “Augmented Reality interfaces can enable a person to interact with the real world in ways never possible before” (Billinghurst, 2002, p. 1). Using AR in lessons can also encourage collaboration between students. For example, students enrolled in a Mechanical Engineering class can be shown AR models of engines and have to work together to solve problems. 

What are the advantages of AR?

There are many advantages to using AR in an educational setting. Lee (2012) stresses the fact that AR will be a motivator for students. He also highlights that it will aid in enhancing their hands on skills. Not only are they reading and learning about the theories, they are also getting a chance to try out their new knowledge first hand. Students will leave the classroom having been able to apply what they have learned, enhancing experiential learning. It is a whole new way of allowing students to explore and experiment. In addition, this generation of young people has grown up with technology. This style of teaching tool will fit in nicely with today’s youth.

As mentioned above AR enhances collaboration between students. In the article “Collaborative Augmented Reality in Education” (Kauffman, n.d.) the authors discuss how AR motivates students to work together. They highlight how an important goal of educational environments is to encourage social interaction among peers. Ensuring that the AR activities are developed to include multiple learners does just that. Students can work together to solve problems, conduct experiments, and develop solutions.

What are the challenges of AR?

With any emerging technology come challenges. The first challenge is cost. AR is a fairly new technique and will require a lot of research, development and maintenance, which may prove to be costly. In addition, there is the actual cost of purchasing the technology to use in each educational institution, which will be an added expense (Lee, 2012).

Second, instructors will have to be trained in using the technology. This will cost more money and take time. Furthermore, some instructors may not feel comfortable using the technology (Antonioli, Blake & Sparks, n.d.). Lee (2012) also points to the issue of integrating AR with traditional methods of instruction and how educational practitioners can ensure they are using the right methods. This will require more training and dedicated resources for planning and implementation.

References

Antonioli, M., Blake, C., & Sparks, K. (n.d.). Augmented Reality Applications in Education. The Journal of Technology Studies. 96-107.

Billinghurst, M. (2002). Augmented Reality in Education. New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved from http://www.it.civil.aau.dk/it/education/reports/ar_edu.pdf.

Kaufmann, H. (n.d.). Collaborative Augmented Reality in Education. Retrieved from https://www.ims.tuwien.ac.at/publications/tuw-137414.pdf.

Lee, K. (2012). Augmented Reality in Education and Training. TechTrends, 56(2), 13-21.

Pasareti et al. (2011). Augmented Reality in Education. Infodidact. Retrieved from http://people.inf.elte.hu/tomintt/infodidact_2011.pdf.