There are varying methods and approaches to education, each based on the medium and environment in which it is delivered. With recent advancements in information and technological reach and convenience, these methods have been extended to beyond just the classroom. Augmented Reality is one such technology that has changed the nature and method of education. (Lee, 2012)
The extended reach of AR has now allowed us to bring education into a wider domain by introducing digital information into the real world. A bevy of different projects have attempted to provide educational material from K-12 to higher education. These materials have been provided in varying disciplines, from chemistry to astrology, and varying mediums, from mobiles devices to custom built HUDs (heads-up-displays). Augmented reality has also served to increase the potential venues for education. The classroom is no longer is the boundary of formal education. It is even possible that the classroom might, eventually, cease to be the standard venue for formal learning.
Some exploits into Augmented Reality that can apply to education are presented below:
Google Skymap: an open-source mobile application for the Android platform that Google calls their “window on the sky”. Sky Map allows access astronomy information on their mobile devices simply by pointing the devices at the stars in the sky. This is an application that has practical applications in studying Astronomy. (Google, 2011)
Augmented Chemistry: a project by the Technische Universität München (Technical University of Munich) aimed at helping “chemists to create, visualize molecules and chemical reactions.” This application provides a method to simulate chemical interactions. (Lehrstuhl für Computer Aided Medical Procedures & Augmented Reality – Technische Universität München, 2012) Asides from the educational application of this application, it can serve as a safe way for simulating, potentially dangerous and expensive, chemical reactions in research and manufacturing.
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Augmented Reality Biology: SIVECO Romania SA has created an AR application that allows users to learn about the human anatomy. This is done by the use of flash cards or overlaying 3D models human organs on the users’ bodies.
Books: Some book publlishers like Dorling Kindersley have also augment the reading experience (books) with AR content to improve the reading experience.
Other educational applications of Augmented Reality have appeared in form of museum and tour guides that allow users see visualized information on exhibits and historical sites. This allows users to visualize objects in their original form even if they are not fully physically present. (Lee, 2012)
Education has also been improved by using immersive role-playing games. These games invite the users to assume the role of a character in the game and explore the real-world collecting information and digital artifacts. As the users navigate the real world informational material is presented and overlayed on real world objects. (Lee, 2012)
Augmented reality is re-shaping the educational experience by providing g enriched digital material and content intertwined with the real-world. We have seen AR used as a tool in improving and enriching books, as well as, lessons like chemistry, physics, biology and even math As we see the technology grow, it is possible that the boundaries, settings and venues of formal education will extend past the limits of the classroom. This will allow students to learn outside the context of a rigid formal structure and inside the context of the physical (every-day) world around them.
References
Google. (2011). Google Sky Map for Android. Retrieved MAR 27, 2012, from Google Mobile: http://www.google.com/mobile/skymap/#what-is-sky-map
Lee, K. (2012, MAR). Augmented Reality in Education and Training. Tech Trends, 56(2), 13 – 21. Available Here
Lehrstuhl für Computer Aided Medical Procedures & Augmented Reality – Technische Universität München. (2012). ProjectChemistry. Retrieved MAR 27, 2012, from TUM – TU München: http://ar.in.tum.de/Chair/ProjectChemistry
Augmented Reality Today 