What is Augmented Reality in Education?
Augmented Reality in Education Enhances Teaching and Learning Processes
- AR-powered virtual field trips to historical monuments and museums allow students to experience history in a more engaging way.
- Molecular structures and complex chemical compounds can be taught effortlessly through AR explanatory videos and animation.
- Students struggling with geometric lessons can use AR to examine and manipulate 3D geometrical shapes.
- Presentations are vital in today’s knowledge sharing culture. AR is a handy tool that makes your presentations more immersive and in-depth.
How is Augmented Reality Learning Applied Across Different Fields of Education?
“As educators, students, and parents become more comfortable with virtual learning, AR/VR have emerged as engaging tools for teachers to support their curriculums across K12, higher education, and lifelong learning institutions.”
A study conducted by Kucuk et al. found that teaching English courses at primary and secondary school levels using AR technology increases learning motivation, improves learning performance, and enables students to exert minimal effort to acquire the knowledge. The study further identified that the students who used AR applications in English courses scored high in English reading, comprehension, listening, and speaking skills compared to those who relied on traditional textbook-based classroom learning.
Augmented Reality training allows teachers to leverage multimedia learning environments, such as images, texts, audios, 3D objects, 2D or 3D animations and videos depending on the learning objectives. Well-designed Augmented Reality learning environments can decrease the cognitive load of students at junior high school levels, ensure effective learning, cultivate problem-solving skills, improve learning outcomes, and develop a positive attitude towards comprehending complex concepts.
AR in higher education supports continuous practice and immersive learning, which are highly important to ensure quality learning in colleges and universities. The SkyView app, for example, allows students to explore stars, planets, constellations, satellites, and space in a whole new way with an augmented reality view, without leaving the lecture hall.
AR makes distance learning more interesting, practical, and fun-filled by helping lecturers organize gamified tasks, virtual explorations, and practice sessions, regardless of where the learners are located. AR facilitates contextually enriched interaction which helps students understand complicated mechanisms and difficult theories more quickly. Augmented 3D models of human organs and systems have incredibly transformed the way medical students learn physiology, anatomy, and pathology today.
In today’s business setting, AR is a collaborative, explainable, skill-learning tool that guides employees and managers. The cost of maintaining AR learning applications is much lower than updating traditional training tools. AR is a handy aid for industrial maintenance staff who have to perform highly demanding technical work, such as regular monitoring and maintenance of heavy machines operating in hazardous conditions.
AR based tour assistant systems, museum and cultural heritage guides, augmented sales and marketing presentations, corporate training games, and manufacturing assemblies promote effective education and training in corporate surroundings. AR makes information available at the right time and place, through rich content with computer-generated 3D imagery.
Edutainment hints at the positive correlations between the fields of education and entertainment. Leading data sources like HubSpot and others reveal that 90% of information transmitted to our brains is visual, and visuals are processed 60,000X faster by the brain than text. These facts undeniably prove that most of our learning happens through watching. MathAlive, an AR-based supplemental mathematics curriculum kit leverages the key learning modalities of seeing, hearing, and doing to engage early learners and get them excited about mathematics. The platform uses AR 3D imagery (without glasses) and gaming technology to teach math concepts to early learners.
Deploying AR in education enables students to retain more of a lesson through immersive experience, engaging simulations, and increased participation in the learning process.
STEM education practitioners have to address many intrinsic issues in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research. They often face challenges like expensive or inadequate laboratory systems, faulty equipment, difficulty in simulating experimental circumstances, lack of instructors who are knowledgeable in computer-aided design (CAD), and resistance towards learning technology adoption. AR technology is well-suited for enhancing STEM learning environments, specifically because the virtual objects in an AR application appear to co-exist in the same space as the objects located in the real-world.
Marker-based AR applications are commonly used in Mathematics and Physics studies as a problem-based simulator, which is usually conducted in classrooms and virtual labs. Location-based AR is widely used in Natural Science inquiry-based learning, conducted mostly at the out-of-school contexts. AR stimulates learning achievement, assists in visualization, and promotes student-centered learning in STEM education.
Augmented Reality in Education and Training: Use Cases
- Quiver Masks combines augmented reality coloring pages with face-tracking that allows kids to create interactive AR masks. Kids can apply their own imagination and retell exciting stories using the AR masks. The app offers an educational platform that enables educators and students to better visualize and understand various learning subjects.
- Catchy Words AR is a fun augmented reality app for students to practice their spelling skills. Using the app, students will be able to see letters floating all around them. By moving their phones or tablets and changing their positions, students have to catch the letters and solve the word. This improves their spelling skills and memory.
- Octagon Studio’s Dinosaur 4D+ augmented reality flashcards allow teachers to explain the origin and physiology of dinosaurs, while the students discern the animated reptiles with rapt attention. Through visual simulation, discovery-based learning, and interactivity, the app keeps students engaged in the classroom.
- AssemblerEDU AR app allows teachers to present complex concepts in 3D as if it is right in the classroom. Through its powerful AR editors, 3D library, and importing options, Assembler helps create a more accessible and exciting learning experience at school, which arouses curiosity and understanding among students.
- 3DBear AR app supports both in-class and remote learning by allowing students to create and experience their own virtual worlds. It’s a great tool for homework when learning remotely. Teachers can access lesson plans, assign challenges to students, and track them easily using this AR application.
- Human Anatomy Atlas 2023＋ is a cross-platform (web & mobile) AR app that offers full female and male 3D interactive visual content and models to study gross anatomy. It’s the most comprehensive and portable anatomy and physiology reference available today.
- The University of Scranton, Pennsylvania has successfully leveraged Augmented Reality in their admissions marketing campaign, way back in 2014 itself. Visitors at the university were asked to download a free AR app called Layar, and then point their phone towards the university logo on the marketing poster. The logo was transformed into a video that appeared to be playing on the poster.
- The Savannah College of Arts and Science has rolled out an augmented reality catalog detailing various courses, programs, degrees, majors, and other learning opportunities for students. The AR-driven catalog enables prospective students to learn more about the institution before enrolling.
Augmented Reality EdTech Trends That Reign Supreme Now
1. AI and AR Will Work Together
2. Mobile Augmented Reality
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According to ARtillery Intelligence, the global mobile AR revenue is projected to grow from $6.87 billion in 2020 to $26.05 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 30.5%.
Mobile Devices: 57%
Desktops and Laptops: 24%
AR Glasses: 6%
Not Specified: 13%
3. WebAR Solutions
4. Cross-Platform AR Applications
5. Interactive AR Manuals
Three Types of AR Used in Education Today
- Requires target images or markers to annotate things in a given space
- Phone camera feeds are used to place 3D digital content within the user’s visual field
- No object tracking systems required
- Utilizes advancements in cameras, sensors, algorithms, and processors to detect and map the real-world
- Merges virtual 3D objects into the user’s physical location
- Superimposes information based on your geographical location
Debunking The Myths About AR in Education
Myth #1 AR is Only for Fun, Gaming, and Entertainment
Myth #2 AR in Education is Expensive
Myth #3 Teachers Face a Huge Learning Curve
Myth #4 AR is Only a Short-Lived Trend
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According to Fact.MR, the demand for Augmented Reality in K-12 education is projected to increase at a CAGR of 75% across the assessment period of 2021 to 2031.
Myth #5 AR Experiences are Solely Designed For Classroom Learning
Augmented Reality Education Applied in Professional Training
Remote Assistance
Faster Onboarding of Employees
Field Service Staff Training
Product Knowledge Training
Training to Manage High-Risk Scenarios
Remote Assistance
Using an AR-supporting device, a junior technician working on-site can receive assistance from an SME located elsewhere. An AR-enabled portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet, allows the novice technician to share their view of a machine or faulty equipment with a remotely located senior technician. The experienced technician can see the device’s condition in real-time and guide the newbie through the task remotely. This improves first-time fix rates, helps record training sessions for future reference, and preserves the skills from retiring completely.
Faster Onboarding of Employees
Organizations can reduce onboarding efforts and costs by sharing 3D navigation routes and interactive virtual simulations of office premises, buildings, floors, shops, business processes, and workflows with the newly hired employees. Mandatory employee training programs, such as HR processes, occupational health and safety, cybersecurity, ISO, and other courses can be made more interesting and meaningful for employees through custom-built AR training software.
Field Service Staff Training
Field service professionals, including sales agents, field service technicians, on-site service engineers, and equipment maintenance staff can use AR headsets that project problem detection steps and troubleshooting tips on the screen of the headset. This allows field crews to quickly understand the entire process, such as how the machine is expected to function and where it needs fixing.
Product Knowledge Training
Conventional training methods like classroom learning, printed textbooks and learning materials, dull instruction guides, and unappealing visual illustrations are insufficient to keep pace with the industry’s rising learning curve. 3D product tours and augmented work instructions place products right in front of the employee, so they can familiarize themselves with the product components and its functioning, right away using their smartphone, tablet, or AR headset.
Training to Manage High-Risk Scenarios
Employees, specifically those working in high-risk industries, should be trained to deal with risky scenarios, without getting themselves exposed to real-life dangers. Augmented Reality enables us to virtually recreate vulnerable scenarios, such as fire hazards, riots, and other disasters. AR-based training equips firefighters, defense personnel, riot handling cops,and disaster management squads to hone their skills in encountering life-threatening risks and bringing them under control.
AR in Education Enables Industries To Improve Training Efficiency and Outcomes
1. Healthcare and Medicine
Example:
2. Retail
Example:
3. Manufacturing
Example:
4. Military Training
Example:
5. Equipment Installation and Maintenance
Example:
6. Space Exploration
Example:
Top 3 professional educational fields in which AR is used the most:
Medical Training
Science
Engineering
Top Benefits of Augmented Reality in Education
Accessible Learning Materials
Several educational institutions struggle both technically and financially to update outdated learning materials. This can be solved using a customized AR application that helps download the latest content and present it in a highly interactive format. Replacing printed textbooks, manuals, brochures, and posters with AR can save your printing costs. Mobile-based AR apps allow anyone to access learning materials from anywhere.
Higher Student Engagement and Interest
Through interactive and gamified learning, AR keeps students engaged throughout the lesson. This makes learning effortless and fun-filled. Immersion techniques, such as virtual worlds, encourage students to explore the learning materials more deeply. It makes lessons appear more interesting, relevant, and real. Motivation drives higher student engagement and improves the pace of learning.
Interactive Learning Environment
AR helps implement more self-practice sessions and hands-on learning exercises to provide students an interactive learning environment, even within their classrooms. For example, an AR app that takes students to a virtual aviary can help them learn more about different bird species. Students also get an opportunity to learn and practice new skills in an interactive learning environment.
Improve Memory and Concentration
Augmented Reality helps bring lessons to life, so students can easily recollect the key details. For example, a history lecturer can use AR technology to create memorable interactive stories to narrate the Colonial American period, instead of presenting plain images on an LCD projector.
No Expensive Hardware Required
Augmented Reality can work without any expensive hardware. What you only need is a contemporary smartphone that already has the hardware needed to run AR apps. Augmented reality can present the required 3D models and accompanying explanations in situations where it is necessary to explore scientific devices, equipment, blueprints, charts, tables, or any other physical learning materials.
Safe and Effective Workplace Training
Through interactive and gamified learning, AR keeps students engaged throughout the lesson. This makes learning effortless and fun-filled. Immersion techniques, such as virtual worlds, encourage students to explore the learning materials more deeply. It makes lessons appear more interesting, relevant, and real. Motivation drives higher student engagement and improves the pace of learning.
Develop Your AR Training Application with Fingent
Frequently Asked Questions About AR in Education
Augmented Reality enhances the real-world environment with graphics, sound, text, videos, and other multimedia components. AR superimposes digital content on top of the graphic representation of the actual world.
AR in Education:
Right from K-12 to higher education and employee training in corporate settings, AR can be applied to improve both teaching and learning. Augmented Reality learning technology allows teachers and educators to incorporate personalized, game-based learning that extends beyond the classroom. Use of AR in education sector improves the learning environment by driving student engagement and experience.AR in Training:
Augmented reality applications can solve the skill crisis that negatively impacts the workforce productivity. Several industries use Augmented Reality to improve their workforce’s productivity, bridge skill gaps, impart workplace training, save the time and effort of their employees, and cut down on hiring and training costs. AR allows new employees to receive training on-the go using real-time instructions.Teachers can use AR in the following five ways:
- >> Make classes more interactive through 3D simulations and models that help students try physical experiments in a virtual world.
- >> Instead of giving orders and instructions, teachers can act as guides who help students learn concepts by themselves. Experiential learning improves knowledge retention among students.
- >> Game-based learning improves teacher-student collaboration in classrooms. Simple lesson plans and question-answer sessions conducted using AR make classes more fun and interesting.
- >> 2D images and textbooks can be easily converted into 3D interactive models using AR. Teachers can exploit this feature to grab the attention of their students. Conducting practice sessions using AR-based learning simulations keep student engagement levels high.
- >> AR can be used to create fun quizzes, mock tests, and puzzles that drive student participation. It can replace dreadful examinations. AR-based evaluation also excites teachers as they can save time and personally assess how each student is making progress.
AR doesn’t completely replace the traditional learning process in the classroom. Instead, it provides a visual learning opportunity powered by immersive and interactive learning. AR applications encourage students to experience and learn courses virtually, improve their level of engagement, and boost knowledge retention. It makes monotonous classroom lectures more impactful through visualization, interactivity, involvement, and discovery-based learning.
The four major difficulties in using AR in education are:
- 1) Technical challenges, such as hardware issues, device malfunctioning, content glitches, and poor usability.
- 2) Limited content capabilities to create AR-based learning curriculum. Not all training topics are suited to fit within AR’s capabilities. This forces AR content creators to design microlearning experiences.
- 3) Outsourcing your app development requirement to a reliable AR software development partner.
- 4) Compared to a Virtual Reality (VR) experience, AR doesn’t support all the training modalities. You need to perform a complete training analysis to understand if AR training can deliver the immersive experience that you seek.
Most Augmented Reality learning applications support sharing online AR experience with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. No technical expertise is required to screen-cast AR experiences from your AR learning app to these live meeting applications. These AR experiences work seamlessly with both the mobile app and web app links. Online educators can use this method to teach complex concepts more efficiently. Digital teaching aids, such as 3D images, slide decks, models, videos, and 360-degree content can be created using your educational AR app and screen-casted live through video meeting platforms.
