It’s fair to say that most of teaching is based on presenting students with factual information.
This means achievers in school tend to be those who easily retain facts, while students who struggle to process a huge amount of information in a single sitting can quickly become disengaged. Whether it’s in a school setting, a training course in the workplace, or in lifelong learning.
Enter the power of augmented reality development or AR in learning.
Among the most significant trends in education technology, the application of AR learning rightfully takes a leading position. In fact, it’s predicted to surpass the value of $5.3 billion by 2023, opening a pool of opportunities for businesses and educational institutions alike.
In this article, we delve deeper into the uses of augmented reality in education and how it’s transforming the learning experience for all types of students.
How Can the Application of AR in Learning Transform the Education Industry?
Many of us are already aware of the existence of augmented reality and how augmented reality technology works. After all, mobile games such as Pokemon Go and social media platforms like Snapchat are filled with AR features. However, the power of AR doesn’t stop at entertainment. Education is another significant space where AR technology can improve the way people live their lives, specifically the way the learn.
AR in learning is capable of augmenting computer-generated graphics into the real-life environment on screen. This technique enables students to learn in a more engaging and interactive environment. Augmented reality in the classroom can enable teachers to show virtual examples of concepts and ideas, as well as add gaming elements to provide exciting support to textbook material. In turn, it makes lessons more fun for everyone and enables students to enjoy their learning experiences.
Examples of AR Application in Education and Learning
At first glance, education may seem like an unusual industry for AR. After all, AR is mostly used for entertainment apps. However, AR in learning can be a valuable part of educational courses and tutorials, including professional training courses for specialists in various fields who cannot get required expertise without hands-on experience.
Take a look at some of the ways augmented reality in education can heighten the learning experience.
Classroom Learning
Probably, the most popular application of AR in education is the use of AR apps in the classroom. You can find all sorts of AR apps for the classroom that would help teachers explain a subject, provide visual representations of the material, and help students test out their knowledge in practice.
For instance, Narrator AR teaches kids aged 3 to 5 years old how to write in a manner that’s more fun and engaging. The app makes handwriting a truly exciting experience by enhancing the letters they write with captivating special effects.
Google Expeditions also provides AR tours which cover various subjects: history of technology, the circulatory system, and even the moon landing. With mobile devices and AR technology, users can bring 3D objects into the classroom and then walk around and explore them. These objects can be in the form of volcanos, tornadoes, or even DNA.
Medical Education and Training
Medical students can improve both their skills and knowledge by taking advantage of both virtual and augmented reality. In a previous article, we discussed augmented reality vs virtual reality, but we’re going to focus on AR in learning for this particular matter.
Uses of augmented reality in medical education include:
- Creating human body models that allow medical students to learn in-depth about anatomy
- Practicing surgeries on virtual patients
- Providing medical students with more training opportunities with the help of simulations
An example of a great app that lets medical students explore the human body is Human Anatomy Atlas. The app has over 10,000 anatomical models of the human body and allows students to rotate and interact with the models. On the other hand, Touch Surgery is an app that focuses on surgical simulation. The AR platform lets users practice surgical procedures on virtual patients. This lets students learn the process of surgeries in an almost real life scenario.
Space Training
The space industry has historically been on the leading edge of emerging tech adoption. Of course, AR applications in their education materials is no exception. Today, the space sector leverages the power of AR learning to train engineers and astronauts how to perform complex tasks that require precision and advanced technical skills. These include learning how to maintain a space station, how to build a space capsule, and even exploring the surface of unknown planets.
For instance, NASA utilises AR learning via digital images to teach astronauts how to walk on the surface of Mars. The technology reconstructs the Martian landscape using photographs taken on the planet’s surface. Scientists can then use HoloLens to virtually walk around Mars’ surface as if they were just in their office.
Manufacturing Training
One of the best examples of how augmented reality is used in education can be found in the manufacturing sector. In the past, learning how to operate complex machinery required a lot of theoretic knowledge and lengthy preparation. Today, real-time instructions projected on the AR screens enables workers to complete their tasks efficiently.
On top of that, manufacturing companies can now hire employees with basic experience and skills and train them using AR learning applications. For instance, Siemens uses AR simulation to teach its employees how to weld.
Military Training
While training plays a crucial role in the military sector, putting soldiers in a particular environment or location is not always possible. AR technology is then used to create a particular setting required for training soldiers. As augmented reality can add virtual objects and environments, it helps save on travel costs and reduces the need for special equipment. It also allows soldiers to train in remote locations without putting them in danger.
A few years ago, the US Marines tested the Augmented Immersive Team Trainer. This AR learning simulation provided an environment where soldiers can effectively train, adding objects and virtual effects like enemies and vehicles to the physical world. As it simulated a realistic experience, the soldiers were able to improve their skills in a risk-free location.
Leverage the Power of AR in Education with NarraSoft
Traditional methods of education are becoming a thing of the past. Augmented reality’s relative seamlessness of digital objects within real life environments encourages engagement and interactivity. This combination of interactivity and engagement enhances the ability of students to remember what they learn, resulting in faster acquisition of skills and information.
AR in learning spaces provides students with opportunities to deepen their knowledge within several areas, including:
- Spatial concepts
- Working with numbers
- Content creation
- Real-life scenarios and environments
This can include everything from virtual field trips to training within different professions.
Yet, AR app development is no easy feat. To reap the benefits of augmented reality in education, you require a hands-on experience and a certain skill set in building similar products. We at NarraSoft have the skills and expertise to help you build an AR solution for educational purposes.
With over ten years of digital art creation experience, we know how to manage the work that needs to be done. Let us develop your augmented reality 3D art so you get the best AR assets in the market and even partner with the best digital art team.
Outsource augmented reality art to NarraSoft today! Fill out the contact form, drop a message on our chat box, or send an email to sales@narrasoft.com!