Augmented Reality In Education & Its Benefits

Learning techniques have come a long way since the traditional blackboard classroom methods. Now, technology is not a complementary aspect of learning but an indispensable element of education. Innovations in EdTech are driving a new wave of immersive learning environments that allow learners to understand new concepts through creative experiences.

Among the different innovative learning techniques, augmented reality is the most popular. By the end of 2023, it is estimated that the value of AR in edtech will be over USD 5 billion, opening up new opportunities for educational institutions investing in edtech. (Source)

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality superimposes virtual elements on existing environments using cameras, sensors, processing, projection, and reflection. AR can superimpose sound, videos, and graphics onto a current environment.

Cameras and sensors detect an image’s depth and calculate the distance between two objects before superimposing digital content atop the user’s view. Then, projection and reflection add virtual information to the view. Educators use AR to incorporate interactive elements into the classroom curriculum. With 5G connectivity and high-quality hardware today, we can explore AR’s full potential in education.

How Does AR in Education Work?

At its elementary, augmented reality uses text, sound effects, graphics, and multimedia to enhance the real-world environment. It enriches our surroundings by layering digital content on top of the graphic representation of our world.

Augmented reality can be implemented in education using commonly available hardware such as smartphone cameras or laptops. However, the experience can be improved manifold using cutting-edge devices like AR glass, dream glass, and Vizux blades. AR content is generated using AR software designed for specific AR hardware kits. In education, augmented reality offers unlimited learning opportunities, enabling adopters to learn on the go using real-time instructions.

Benefits of Augmented reality in education

1. Anytime, Anywhere Access to Learning Materials: Schools have always relied on physical tools such as textbooks and printed materials, which often limits how 21st-century students learn. With AR, it makes it possible for teachers and students to have easy access to updated content, saving both, teachers and students time as they don’t have to search for this content on their own.
2. Enhances Student Engagement and Interest: Augmented reality can help students feel more engaged and interested in learning. They can experiment with the AR elements in the classroom to deepen their understanding of complex concepts. For example, gamification is popular for infusing interactive learning methods in a computer-generated environment. Creating a gaming environment makes learning interesting, fun, and effortless while encouraging collaboration among learners. Gamification also includes giving points, dividing the learning into levels, and enabling students to map their progress in the learning environment to provide a sense of accomplishment.
3. Learning Environment: Augmented reality enables educators to create active learning environments wherein everyone feels involved. Students can experience a hands-on learning approach that encourages experimentation and practice.
4. Content Understanding: AR in classroom education leads to a deeper understanding of curriculum content. AR techniques enhance the learning experience using visualisation and immersion in the subject matter, resulting in better performance. For example, AR applications help children learn how to write in a fun and engaging manner. With captivating special effects and phonics concepts, AR allows learners to memorise spellings and improve their handwriting.
5. Collaboration: Any digital content is easy to share among users. By sharing ideas, teachers can collaborate on augmented reality content to refine and improve their methods. Students can also collaborate to work on projects to learn teamwork and cooperation. Applications like QuiverVision help students cooperate and develop storytelling skills.
6. Memory: AR enables educators to create memorable interactive experiences for their learners. This negates the need for rote learning and memorisation. It reduces the stress on students and adds a fun element to the learning process. Instead of reading about the Boston Tea Party, they can experience the event through an interactive storytelling activity.
7. Sensory Development: Sensory development is essential in young learners. In the past, teachers had to put in extra hours to create sensory experiences for their students. With augmented reality, teachers can include multisensory experiences with every lesson. AR in classroom education can enable students to carry out physical activities to learn scientific concepts instead of just watching a demonstration. For example, AR in education allows teachers to create tornadoes and storms in the classroom to explain the geographic concept of wind motion and funnel clouds.
8. Cost Effectiveness: Cutting-edge augmented reality hardware may seem like a high cost. However, school leaders should remember that it is a one-time investment to improve the learning experience for thousands of students in their schools. Besides, several AR applications can run on smartphones, making the solution cost-effective for schools and students. All you need is a stable internet connection, and your school can deliver immersive and impactful learning experiences to learners of all levels.

Augmented reality allows educators to create breakthroughs in learning techniques and transform traditional pedagogy. It engages students better than traditional methods and enables them to perform better in school. There are various benefits of implementing AR in classroom education from the primary to the higher education levels. Educators with a vision for the future have already begun to partner with AR experts to enhance the learning experience they offer their students.

Last Updated on March 22, 2024