Enhance learning retention and engagement through augmented reality in education and training. Discover the benefits of AR in delivering dynamic and captivating educational content.
It’s amazing how much modern technology can enhance our understanding of the world! One such cutting-edge innovation is augmented reality, which allows us to visually represent all types of 3D objects that have no physical form. You can read about how augmented reality works to learn more.
AR applications have grown versatility, serving various purposes ranging from entertainment to business. Because of this adaptability, augmented reality (AR) has been adopted in education and training, with educational institutions incorporating AR into their classroom teaching methods.
This article will discuss real-world examples of augmented reality learning and how this technology affects the educational process and its outcomes. You can also learn how to acquire high-quality AR app development services. Ready to get started? Let’s go.
Why is Augmented Reality Important in Education?
Even though many teachers around the world prefer traditional teaching methods, augmented reality (AR) technology is making inroads in educational institutions and businesses. What exactly is augmented reality in education, and how does it affect the performance and achievements of students?
Many students need help understanding theoretical information without visuals or relatable examples. Certain ideas become enigmatic and difficult to grasp as a result. Augmented reality (AR) apps can help with this.
They are essential in transforming information through visuals, bringing clarity and structure to complex concepts, and ultimately fostering better understanding among students.
Researchers discovered that using augmented reality (AR) apps helped students engage more deeply and improved their motivation to learn in a recent study with students in Cape Town. The study found that using AR increased attention, satisfaction, and confidence.
This means that augmented reality can make learning more enjoyable and effective for students, assisting them in remaining focused and confident throughout their learning journey.
The TOJET study was also in this vein regarding the future of augmented reality in education. Comparing AR to traditional teaching methods, it demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge retention.
How Does Augmented Reality Benefit Education?
Practising educators have already discovered many benefits of using augmented reality applications in education. Here are the main ones!
The Benefits of Augmented Reality in Education
#1. Access to materials for learning
Because educational institutions frequently need up-to-date teaching materials, many students are forced to study outdated information or conduct research at home. You can use AR apps to download and display the latest data in an interactive format.
#2. Access to virtual resources
When it is crucial to investigate particular tools and learn how to use them, an augmented reality application can display the necessary 3D model and helpful explanations. This gives traditional learning materials more practical value.
#3. Increased student engagement
By immersing students in the material, they can study it more deeply, making it feel more real and relevant. This is an important shift of pace and an exciting experience for many.
#4. Quicker learning
A new method of presenting information help in reducing overall learning time. Thus, there is more time for training and in-depth study of niche topics.
#5. Better practice
Students no longer need to dissect real animals for anatomy lessons; this can be accurately simulated using the software. Students receive the same level of practice without causing any harm or using dangerous tools.
What Are The Challenges Of Augmented Reality In Education?
#1. Hardware is required
An AR application cannot be installed on an old phone model or on an operating system that does not support immersion. Schools are not typically known for having the most cutting-edge electronic equipment, so purchasing smartphones/smart glasses may be out of the question.
#2. Teachers lack specialised experience
Some educators must embrace or understand modern technologies. The situation can become complicated when teachers are expected to demonstrate how the device works and assist students with any issues.
Overall, there are far more advantages to using augmented reality applications for education than drawbacks. Furthermore, the difficulties above are easily overcome.
What are the Different Uses of Augmented Reality in Education?
How do you use augmented reality in education? AR applications have the potential to be a great solution to many problems in a variety of fields. So, let us examine how augmented reality can be used in education.
#1. AR in Schools
What exactly is augmented reality in the classroom? It’s a programme that can be used in class to improve the illustration of the studied material. School students, for instance, can engage in deeper and more interactive explorations of complex sciences such as biology, anatomy, physics, and even maths.
Moreover, an augmented reality app can also simulate difficult-to-explain scenarios in the elementary school setting, assisting students in developing their creativity.
Do you fully understand how to use augmented reality in the classroom? Most modern mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are compatible with AR applications, and many of today’s youth already have personal devices. However, it is only beneficial because children can complete their homework and learn whenever possible.
#2. AR in College
Students pursuing humanitarian or technical sciences might benefit from university augmented reality solutions. Medical students, for instance, can learn anatomy and practise inspecting the body using AR software that depicts the human body inside and out.
Furthermore, several colleges use augmented reality to teach students engineering, math, design, astronomy, and other subjects.
Augmented reality helps students learn more comfortably and effectively. The technology enables studies such as experimenting with different chemical combinations to observe what happens while causing no harm to students or university property.
Furthermore, AR applications can assist students with creative activities in college and organising university events.
#3. AR For Distant Education
Due to the pandemic, distance learning has gained tremendous popularity over the past few years. In light of this and other factors, online education will probably stay popular long after stabilising the situation.
The applications for augmented reality can provide a practical setting for online learning, allowing students to interact in real time with teachers and other students while also receiving the necessary materials.
Students who take classes online can only sometimes need a teacher to walk them through the material. Each topic can be covered in-depth in a good app, along with a concise or in-depth explanation of the theory and interactive exercises.
#4. AR in Work Training
Individuals starting their careers or transitioning to a different role can quickly acquire new expertise and understanding by utilising augmented reality training. For example, it will allow them to learn how to use work equipment and learn the theory and work environment without putting the organisation or the employee’s health at risk.
AR logistic training, for instance, not just trains but also organises employees. According to studies, AR-assisted training increased productivity at work by 34% for General Electric employees and 46% for GE Healthcare employees.
Use Cases for Augmented Reality in Education
Many cool examples of augmented reality in education show just how awesome and powerful these learning methods can be. Here are a few:
#1. Children’s safety education
AR technology used in Chinese kindergartens effectively teaches safety rules and increases children’s self-awareness.
#2. Western University’s Augmented Reality Project
A Unity-funded AR project at Western University allows students to swim with sharks, providing a one-of-a-kind learning experience in decision-making and marine biology.
#3. Google Arts & Cultures in the Classroom
Google’s augmented reality app provides virtual 3D tours of museums and cultural experiences, overcoming the limitations of physical visits during quarantine and allowing students to explore the world from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms.
#4. Custom AR applications
Augmented reality applications can be tailored to any field of education, allowing educators to create personalised and immersive learning experiences beyond traditional curriculums.
End Note
Sadly, today the AR apps you can find in app stores often have restrictions regarding what they can do or the subjects they cover. A custom augmented reality application ensures users receive everything they require from the purchased/downloaded application.
But how do you get a high-quality augmented reality solution without breaking the bank? To develop exceptional quality AR applications and solutions for your diverse needs, seek the assistance and guidance of a reputable and experienced AI services provider.
From healthcare and education to transportation and entertainment, AI has the potential to completely transform how we live, work, and interact with the world around us, adopt its power and adapt to the world that’s constantly evolving around.
Author bio: Vishnu Narayan is a content writer working at ThinkPalm Technologies, a software development & ai services provider focusing on technologies like BigData, IoT, and Machine Learning. He is a passionate writer, a tech enthusiast, and an avid reader who tries to tour the globe with a heart that longs to see more sunsets than Netflix!