Introduction to Augmented Reality within the Classroom
Augmented reality (AR) continues to realize importance in our on a regular basis lives. In the classroom, AR technology can enhance learning by providing students with interactive and immersive experiences, improving their understanding of complex concepts and enabling them to use their knowledge in real-world scenarios. The use of AR could make learning more accessible while increasing the engagement of all students. Recently, EdSurge spoke to field experts concerning the advantages of integrating AR within the classroom.
Understanding Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality
You will not be alone in case you are confused by the terms augmented reality and virtual reality (VR). Both technologies have made their way into classrooms, leaving educational researchers wondering about their differences and implications for learning. Robert Spierenburg, the chief executive officer at All Things Media, explains how AR and VR differ and what which means for the classroom. According to Spierenburg, “Augmented reality is while you take something that you could already see on the earth and add an interactive or experiential layer on top. So it isn’t replacing what you see. We’re not taking you to some magical fantasy world. We’re staying in our world and providing you with superpowers in it, per se.” Virtual reality, in contrast, is a technology that creates a totally immersive digital environment that blocks out the true world and replaces it with a virtual one.
Real-World Applications of AR
AR might be utilized in the classroom to create interactive learning experiences that enhance traditional instruction. For example, an AR app can create interactive 3D models of historical artifacts or scientific specimens that students can learn from and explore. AR can even create digital overlays on printed textbooks, allowing students to access additional content, comparable to videos or animations, with their mobile devices. Spierenburg likens AR to a security net for college students. “It gives kids this protected space to try things without repercussions in the true world.”
Engaging All Students with AR
Renee Dawson, an academic technology specialist at Atlanta Public Schools, sees firsthand how AR positively affects students, sharing, “AR engages students who are often the least engaged. It serves as a bridge for college students to attach within the classroom.” For many students, Dawson recognizes that AR “levels the playing field” by allowing students experiences that they might not otherwise have a possibility to explore—whether the results of socioeconomic situations or physical barriers. AR lets students see things up close or gather background knowledge of topics; it promotes deeper learning.
Accessibility and Equity
Having previously taught in special education for 15 years, Dawson also sees AR through a lens of equity and accessibility, stating, “It gives access to everybody within the classroom for anything that you could consider, in any sandbox environment and in a wide range of ways.” Spierenburg explains that one in all the advantages of using AR somewhat than VR is the benefit of integration within the classroom. “You don’t need any special hardware. You can just use your phone or any mobile device.”
Measuring the Impact of AR on Learning Outcomes
This is straightforward for educators using McGraw Hill AR, a free app created by McGraw Hill in partnership with Verizon for Verizon Innovative Learning, an academic initiative that seeks to assist bridge the digital divide with a goal of providing digital skills training to 10 million students by 2030. Spierenburg, whose company helped support the event of the app, explains that each activity is directly aligned with a typical and has an accompanying lesson plan in Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, a free online education portal empowering educators to assist bring recent ways of learning and next-gen tech into the training experience.
Supporting Teachers in Integrating AR
Some schools are fortunate enough to have a technology specialist who can co-teach and model the combination of AR until the classroom teacher is confident to fly solo. Dawson encourages teachers to take a step back and “depend on students more because they’ve an insane thirst for technology, and they’re going to likely figure it out faster than we will.” Spierenburg also enjoys seeing this learner-centered approach, where teachers facilitate learning and nudge students forward. “There will likely be students who lead the charge—the innovators and early adopters. There are all the time students who get there first, and so they pull everybody else in.”
AR within the Humanities
The McGraw Hill program is releasing a social studies and language arts component that integrates the 2 content areas. Spierenburg describes an example of the Boston Massacre, where students see a reenactment from different witnesses, listening to their various perspectives. “Each of those perspectives is definitely the testimony from the trial of the various witnesses on the scene. As you choose a witness, you learn more about history and have language arts stitched in with reading comprehension. It gives humanities a relevant context.” Dawson is just as enthusiastic about using AR in math and science classes. She shares how one particular student who historically struggled with solving equations could immediately balance an equation using the AR scale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize the best way we learn by providing interactive and immersive experiences that enhance traditional instruction. By understanding the differences between AR and VR, educators can harness the facility of AR to interact all students, promote deeper learning, and increase accessibility. With the fitting tools and support, teachers can confidently integrate AR into their lessons, moving the needle toward key standards and learning outcomes. As educators proceed to explore the chances of AR, it is obvious that this technology will play an increasingly essential role in shaping the long run of education.
