In this digital era, conventional teaching and learning tools are becoming a thing of the past. The education industry is becoming increasingly digitized and more technology driven. With technological advancements and the increase in mobile users, Augmented Reality (AR) is becoming very popular in educational institutions across the globe. Many associate AR with gaming and social media applications like Pokemon Go and Snapchat. However, AR is making serious inroads in the education sector, and several institutions have started to realize the potential of using augmented reality in classrooms. In fact, a study predicts the total value of AR in education will be $5.3 billion by 2023. In this blog, we explore some exciting ways to use augmented reality in the classroom, and how it can help educators enhance the learning experience.
How Augmented Reality Works
Before we move further, it is essential to know a few basics about how AR works. You can perceive augmented reality as a technology that brings computer-generated graphics to life in the real world. Augmented reality enriches the real-world environment by imposing digital elements such as text, 3D images, and sound effects on top of physical components. AR acts as a bridge between the virtual and physical world; it blends digital elements with the existing environment.
4 Ways to Use AR in the Classroom
1. Teach Complex Concepts with Visual Elements
Teaching complex science concepts using traditional tools like textbooks can be a challenging task. In addition, it can be difficult for students to understand complex subjects by only reading or listening to lectures. Using AR in classrooms can help solve these issues. AR helps teachers explain science topics easier by offering a visual representation of the subject matter. Teaching with visual elements helps students better comprehend information. For instance, instead of reading about nuclear reactions from textbooks, students can look at 3D AR projections and visualize the concepts to better understand.
Let us be honest; learning through 3D visual models sounds like more fun, right?
Studies show human brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text, and the ability to retain information is greatly improved in visualized learning.
2. AR-Powered Worksheets and Textbooks
Handing out AR-enabled worksheets in classrooms is a great way to help students engage with augmented reality content even from the comfort of their homes. Often students lack the focus and motivation to complete their homework. However, utilizing AR-based worksheets is an excellent way to encourage students to do homework and explore AR content. Augmented reality content helps students connect with the subject matter on a deeper level.
Furthermore, using AR-enabled textbooks in the classroom can transform the study materials and help students explore specific aspects of a subject in more detail. AR-enabled books bring text to life by presenting information in a 3D visual format and enhancing understanding. For example, students can use AR applications to visualize and understand complex subjects like human anatomy or the molecular structure of elements.
3. Practical, Hands-on Learning Approach
Many schools do not have the financial means to build state-of-the-art laboratories. Incorporating augmented reality in the classroom facilitates a practical way of learning and offers a safe environment for training. Using AR promotes a secure, risk-free approach to practical education as it eliminates the risk involved in traditional training methods. Students can practice, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes without the fear of causing harm to life or property.
Further, schools with labs can use AR markers around their labs; when students scan these codes, they can learn the safety protocols of the lab.
4. Gamified Learning
One of the biggest challenges for modern-day teachers is creating an engaging classroom environment. The attention span of the new-gen kids is not long, and they are easily distracted and quickly lose interest. Adopting augmented reality in the classroom helps teachers hold students' attention and engage with them throughout the lecture.
Augmented reality in classrooms introduces gamified elements and creates a fun, interactive, and enjoyable learning experience. Educators can create game content, in which the students can receive reward points for completing specific tasks. A leaderboard injects an element of competition making students more responsible. AR-powered, gamified classrooms boost the morale and engagement levels of learners. It hooks the children and stimulates their creativity to find new, exciting ways to solve problems.
Concluding Thoughts
Augmented reality in the EdTech industry has enormous, untapped potential that can transform teaching and learning as we know it. Mobile technologies are advancing rapidly, and unlike VR, AR does not require special equipment, so AR is becoming more accessible and widespread each passing day. Therefore, it is safe to say that there has never been a better time for educational institutions to invest in augmented reality.
So, what are you waiting for? Why risk being late to the AR party?
Jump on the AR bandwagon now to offer an engaging classroom experience.
Are you interested in adopting AR in classrooms? XR Guru is an immersive learning hub that improves student engagement levels with engaging, curated AR content. With an expansive content library and tools to teach complex topics easier, XR Guru is a one-stop solution to deliver an excellent educational experience.
Contact us for a free consultation on incorporating augmented reality in the classroom
Claim Your Free Consultation