AR in context of Education Industry

Introduction

Whilst, when everyone is busy giving credits to the developers for all the new technologies that they bring to comfort our lives and to thrill us with what those technologies can do to us- for us… I differ in my opinion! I would say, initially the credit goes to all those imaginative & creative people who thought of such ideas without any scientific background and a way back before our current times!

In this blog, as we would be discussing this freak in technology called AR or Augmented Reality that our developers have developed & are still developing… How can we not mention those writers and directors who have already implemented this AR technology in their crafts / Movies such as STAR WARS, STAR TREK and more. Before you doubt my intention on taking this unusual stand, let me clarify, since today in this blog as we are going to discuss – ‘AR and its applications in education’, I thought, I would go ahead and shed light on the things that we don’t get to read in our school/ college books or the teachers... are not being paid to teach us!

And, exactly that’s what AR is supposed to do with our education system or one can say that it is already doing it…! It is taking us out of our books and making us independent of our education processes; as well as making us less dependent on our teachers… who might have never seen - Star Wars or Star Trek!

AR in brief

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology in which computer-generated inputs are being applied to enhance the elements from the users’ physical world. These digital inputs—ranges from sound to video, to graphics to GPS overlays and more, which respond in real time. Basically, it works by overlaying virtual objects over the real image, which can simply be used on our smartphone screens. But there are other more advanced Augmented Reality applications too; which need AR glasses & one example is - Microsoft Hololens.

Why AR is a better option than VR (Virtual Reality) for Education Industry

Whilst the concept of Virtual reality is to create an entirely new world itself which is not necessarily based on the concept & data gathered from the real world; AR simply transforms volumes of data and analytics into images or animations that are overlaid on the real world.

As compared to Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality is affordable, convenient & flexible. It can be used with simple smart phones and tablets, unlike VR which definitely needs some high end gadgets for its execution.

Enhancements that AR can bring in Education

A hi-end technology as AR can ultimately make the educational content richer and more engaging. These are a few ways in which AR will better our education system.

• High interactivity
• Faster learning
• Getting students more interested
• Personalizing Education
• Help Students Grasp Difficult Concepts
• Students and Teachers Taking Control of the Educational Process

AR: A New Era of Immersive Learning

Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the way we learn and interact with information.

As we dive deeper into the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) in education, it’s important to recognize how this technology is reshaping the traditional learning landscape. While AR has primarily been associated with entertainment and gaming, its application in education is not only groundbreaking but also transformative. By enhancing real-world experiences with digital overlays, AR enables students to engage with educational content in ways that were once unimaginable.

How AR Transforms Education

• Visualizing the Abstract: AR can make complex concepts easier to understand. For example, students can visualize 3D models of molecules, explore historical sites in real-time, or dissect virtual organisms.
• Personalized Learning: AR can tailor educational content to individual needs and learning styles. Students can access personalized tutorials, simulations, and interactive quizzes.
• Gamification of Learning: By integrating game elements into the learning process, AR can make education more engaging and fun. Students can solve puzzles, complete challenges, and earn rewards as they learn.
• Hands-on Learning: AR enables hands-on learning experiences without the need for physical materials. Students can practice skills, conduct experiments, and solve problems in a virtual environment.
• Collaborative Learning: AR can facilitate collaborative learning by allowing students to work together on shared virtual projects.

Benefits of AR in Education

• One of the primary advantages of AR over Virtual Reality (VR) in education is its accessibility. While VR creates entirely new, immersive environments that require specialized equipment like VR headsets, AR simply overlays digital elements onto the real world using smartphones or tablets. This makes AR more affordable and easier to implement in educational settings, whether it's in classrooms, museums, or outdoor learning environments.
• Students don't need to be fully immersed in a virtual world to benefit from the technology, AR allows them to interact with their real surroundings, making learning more intuitive and connected to the physical world.
• AR also fosters a high level of interactivity, which is crucial for deeper learning. Students can manipulate 3D models, explore interactive simulations, and engage with educational content on a much more hands-on level.
• AR provides personalized learning experiences as per individual student needs and learning styles. Teachers can customize lessons based on the students’ progress, providing tailored support to help them grasp difficult concepts. This adaptability makes AR a powerful tool for creating an inclusive, student-centered education system.

Real-World Applications of AR in Education

• Language Learning: AR can bring language learning to life by providing immersive language experiences, such as virtual conversations with native speakers or interactive language games.
• Science Education: AR can be used to visualize complex scientific concepts, such as the structure of atoms or the movement of celestial bodies.
• History Education: AR can transport students to historical events, allowing them to experience history firsthand.
• Medical Education: AR can be used to train medical students on complex procedures, such as surgery, in a safe and controlled environment.
• Engineering Education: AR can help engineers design and test products in a virtual environment, reducing the need for physical prototypes.

Challenges and Future Directions

While AR holds immense potential for education, there are challenges to overcome, such as the cost of AR devices and the need for high-quality educational content. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful applications of AR in education.

Conclusion

Despite the rising use of Augmented Reality in many areas of the modern era, augmented reality in education is still new and unsettled. Undoubtedly, using augmented reality for educational purposes would have a number of benefits.

Hence, if you decide to build an augmented reality app to be used in a classroom, you need a professional augmented reality development company that can consult you on how to create an AR app that will have educational value and attract the students at the same time. MODELCAM is a leading AR app developer in India.