Week 5 - Augmented reality

In recent years, we have seen Augmented reality technologies become increasingly popular in our classrooms, and with its ability to take almost anything virtual and place it in the real world, it's no surprise as to why. Augmented Reality can be defined as technology that is used to overlay virtual objects into the real world, the objects appear to coexist in the same place as objects from the real world, but only from the view of the device using the technology (Akçayır M & Akçayır G, 2017). The ability to combine virtual data with real world objects allows for a rich learning experience fro students that are lucky enough to use it in the classroom (Bower et al, 2014).

The use of Augmented Reality in the classroom has huge potential, with students being able to view and create virtual items to place in the real world, it opens up vast opportunities in our education system. Before that is possible however, there are a few hurdles that need to be overcome. the first of which is ensuring our students have access to technology that allows for the use of Augmented Reality. This can be a huge blockade for students as some schools simply do not have the money or resources available. Another hurdle that must be conquered is teacher knowledge and integration of the tech in the classroom. If the teacher doesn't understand how to use it, chances are they won't put in the effort to allow their students to use it.

Once these hurdles have been overcome, students can use Augmented Reality technology for a range of things. For example a student could use the Merge Cube program to create a 3D diagram of the solar system that they are able to hold and place in different spots in the real world. The Merge Cube allows students to see interactive diagrams and place things into the real world to gain perspective on them.

In future, as Augmented Reality technology continues to advance, I can see more schools and classrooms utilising the technology to give students insight into all sorts of subjects. Scientific diagrams can be shown in 3D in the real world, Scenes from books can play out in the middle of an english room, sculptures could be brought to life in Art, the possibilities are virtually endless, and allowing students to create and use Augmented Reality in the classroom helps to nurture their creative sides and make school more enjoyable.

Reference List:

Akçayır, M., & Akçayır, G. (2017). Advantages and challenges associated with augmented reality for education: A systematic review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 20, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.11.002

Bower, M., Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented Reality in education: Cases, places and potentials. Educational Media International, 21(1), 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2014.889400