Augmented reality in a nutshell

Before we dive deep into the specifics use of augmented reality in education, let’s recall briefly what augmented reality (AR) is about.

From its name, we can conclude that the technology “augments” the real world around us. It does it by overlaying virtual objects over the real image, most often on the smartphone screen.

Some advanced augmented reality applications require special AR glasses, such as Microsoft Hololens.

Usually, AR objects are created either by processing multiple photos of a real object or by 3D-modeling. To place virtual objects on the screen, augmented reality apps use either special markers, such as QR codes, geolocation data or the object recognition feature.

In augmented reality apps, users can either watch the virtual objects or interact with them – zoom, rotate, move – if the nature of the app requires it.

As compared to virtual reality, most AR applications run on smartphones or tablets needing no special equipment. This makes augmented reality technology especially adaptable for use in the education industry.

Many education apps include printable markers that teachers can use in the classroom. When the kids point their smartphone cameras at the markers, something interesting pops out!

See also: What Is the Difference between Augmented and Virtual Reality?

AR apps in schools and universities

Today, you can hardly ever see a schoolkid with no smartphone. With university students, the numbers of mobile gadget users are even higher, as young people use smartphones for almost anything.

Many schools are trying to ban smartphones for the distraction they create. Such bans are mostly futile, as too much of a modern child’s life is connected to a smartphone.

As it often happens, the “if you can’t win it – join it” strategy works in this case, too.

Instead of trying to part students from their phones, teachers can use the devices in their lessons. By asking the students to download an augmented reality app that can enhance the learning process, the teacher gets an additional tool for boosting the students’ interest in the lesson.

The same approach works well in universities, and, maybe, even more, as university students are generally higher motivated to learn than schoolchildren.

Making the educational content richer and more engaging by introducing hi-end technology as AR can ultimately help to train better professionals.