Augmented Reality in your Classroom
Augmented Reality is a new way of seeing things, and we mean that quite literally. This new tool that is gaining traction fast is revolutionizing the way of learning, from young to old.
There are subjects that, due to their complexity, are more difficult to grasp than others. Of course, it also varies from person to person depending on his or her comprehension skills. But one thing we all seem to have in common is that we, as humans, are by nature visual creatures and our motto often seems to be “seeing is believing”. This goes for learning as well, to really ‘see’ something is to understand it. And what better way to ‘see’ something then actually engaging with a subject and being immersed in the experience.
Imagine a 5th grader, that has difficulties learning geometry and has a hard time concentrating during class. This kid will most likely not engage much in this particular class, which in turn will make it even more difficult for him to find any kind of passion or even understanding of geometry.
Now comes in AR and everything changes because now Bill can visualize all these complex concepts and see them floating in front of him in the room, making the concepts more tangible. What better way to understand things then by making them come alive so the experience becomes immersive, interesting and understandable?
Ways teachers can use AR in their classes
So, how can teachers use Augmented Reality in their classrooms? We like to say sky is the limit and it will depend on the creativity of those using the AR.
But just to name some examples, the students could scan their books to get additional information on the topic in a more visual way that appears on top of their books. This way they will engage more with the material, which will result in more attention. At the same time, it will help them grasp complex concepts in an easier and faster way.
AR also offers an interesting alternative for classes that require expensive or even sometimes dangerous materials like, for example, chemistry. With Augmented Reality, kids will be able to experiment with simulations.
Student-created AR experiences
We talked about ways a teacher can use Augmented Reality, but why stop there? If you want your students to engage even more with your class, you can offer them the possibility of making their own AR content. This will not only be a lot of fun but will also trigger them in different ways and inspire them to be more creative in their thinking.
They can even share what they create with the world outside the classroom and show their self-made and (educational) adventures to their family and friends. Imagine, for example, students creating their very own Scavenger Hunt that they can give others to play with.
Clearly, Augmented Reality has endless possibilities to offer in the classroom. It will motivate the students and activate their creative thinking in a way that will make them want to participate more in class. It will also help them improve and increase their memory because they will be experiencing it like it was really happening before their eyes.
AR also offers the possibility of making personalized school material, adapted to the level or learning style of each student. This means that every student can follow his or her own rhythm of learning without either feeling bored or, on the contrary, feeling left behind. Something very hard to achieve otherwise by only using the written material and one teacher to explain everything at different levels in the same class.
And last, but not least, AR software and compatible devices are becoming more and more cost-effective which is obviously a very important point when it comes to school budgets.
