Augmenting Education: The Rise of AR in the Classroom

ISTE NIT DURGAPUR
4 min readMar 12, 2023

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user’s experience of reality. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach, and it’s already making waves in education. In this blog, we’ll explore the future of augmented reality in education.

What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality, or AR for short, is a technology that allows you to see digital content superimposed on the real world through a device like a smartphone, tablet, or special glasses.

It works by using the device’s camera and sensors to identify your surroundings and then adding computer-generated graphics, sounds, or other information on top of what you’re seeing in the real world.

For example, imagine you’re looking at a street through your smartphone camera, and suddenly you see virtual arrows pointing you toward a specific location, or virtual objects appearing on the street in front of you. That’s augmented reality in action!

Google’s AR Walking Navigation Mode for Maps

How AR influences education?

AR in education refers to the use of AR technology to enhance the learning experience. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as:

• Creating interactive textbooks and learning materials that allow students to engage with the content in new ways

• Enabling virtual field trips to explore historical or geographical locations

• Providing visual aids and 3D models to help students understand complex concepts

• Enhancing collaboration and problem-solving skills through interactive group activities

• AR can be accessed through smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, making it easily accessible to students and teachers.

Why Augmented Reality in Education?

Benefits of using Augmented Reality in Education

AR in education has several benefits that make it an attractive technology for educators to incorporate into their teaching methods. Some of the benefits include:

• Enhances Engagement: AR can make learning more interactive and engaging. It can bring to life complex concepts and provide a more immersive learning experience for students.

• Improves Understanding: AR can help students visualize and understand complex concepts better. It can provide a visual representation of abstract ideas and provide a more hands-on learning experience.

• Promotes Collaboration: AR can encourage collaboration and teamwork among students. It can provide an interactive platform for group activities and problem-solving tasks.

• Cost-Effective: AR can be a cost-effective way to provide students with access to resources that might otherwise be unavailable, such as virtual field trips.

The Future of Augmented Reality in Education

Source : Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

AR is still a relatively new technology, but its potential in education is significant. Here are some ways AR could shape the future of education:

• Personalized Learning: AR can be used to create personalized learning experiences for students. Teachers can tailor the content to suit individual learning styles and preferences, providing a more personalized and effective learning experience.

• Remote Learning: AR can be used to enhance remote learning experiences. Teachers can create interactive virtual classrooms that allow students to engage with the content and each other in a more immersive way.

• Skills Training: AR can be used for skills training in a variety of fields, such as healthcare, engineering, and construction. It can provide a safe and cost-effective way to train students in practical skills without putting them in real-world situations.

• Accessibility: AR can provide access to learning materials for students with disabilities. It can provide a more interactive and engaging learning experience for students who might otherwise struggle with traditional learning methods.

AR is an exciting technology that has the potential to transform the way we learn and teach. Its benefits in education are already being realized, and as the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and creative uses of AR in the classroom. With its ability to enhance engagement, improve understanding, and promote collaboration, AR is poised to become a critical tool in the educator’s toolbox.

We hope you found this article informative and insightful. It was contributed by Sabyasachi Bose. If you’re passionate about technology and have unique insights to share with our community, we welcome your contributions. Simply mail your article to blog@istenitdgp.com, and you could see it featured on our social media handles. Join us in spreading awareness, fostering innovation, and creating value for tech enthusiasts everywhere.

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ISTE NIT DURGAPUR

Premier society for technical education, career development & innovation. The oldest & most prolific chapter in East India, contributing to the IJTE since 1995