Augmented Reality Apps for Education
Last summer, millions of kids discovered the power of Augmented Reality (AR) while using apps like PokemonGo, Snapchat and Instagram.
In light of these socio-cultural changes, educators need to “keep abreast of change” and embrace curriculum design which integrates the authentic ways that students use AR in their “out of school” experiences as a tool that connects them with peers and content as a means to achieve, both short and long term, learning goals.
Like other technologies, AR has the potential to be a powerful constructivist learning technology that supports the personalized learning goals of students by bringing scannable content to life in an engaging and cost effective manner.
For a generation that’s been raised on interactive technologies, bringing AR into the classroom and curriculum can also help encourage active engagement and contribute to student retention.
‘It’s the real world — only better.”
— Qualcomm executive Jay Wright on augmented reality
For example, augmented content provides students who are visual learners gain a better understanding of the concepts that the teacher has explained in class lectures or read about in traditional textbooks. AR is also a valuable assessment tool, allowing students to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of subjects.
In addition, for students who are using iPads in the classroom, augmented curriculum is an extremely cost effective way for teachers and textbook publishers to deliver interactive content that can be viewed both in the classroom and at home.
While it’s still a relatively new technology being used in an educational context, there are already some really great AR experiences available for educational uses.
Here are a few top picks for introducing and creating AR experiences in the classroom.
Here are a few top picks for introducing and creating AR experiences in the classroom.
ITCraft: Pop Up Books
ITCraft has developed an AR app that turns textbooks into interactive books using AR pop-ups to help students have a multi-sensory content experience.
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Aurasma
Aurasma is an application that lets teachers or students create and share your own augmented reality generated content. This is a great app for project based learning (PBL) activities and is a fantastic way to bring technology into the curriculum in a situated learning context.
Platform(s): Android, iOS
Blippar
Blippar is an augmented reality generated content creation tool that feature For example, their solar system blipp puts learners at the center of the solar system. Planets begin to orbit around them in full 360°. Learners can then tap on each of the planets to discover more, including content like overview information, telescope imagery, videos and more.
Platform: Android, iOS
Arloon
Arloon has published a variety of ARedu apps specifically designed for use in the classroom. Among the most popular is their Arloon Plant AR app, which allows students to use AR to explore the life cycle of plants. Other Arloon apps use AR to explore chemistry, the solar system, human anatomy and more!
Platform: Android, iOS
Alive Studios
Alive is publisher and game studio who have a number of educational AR apps ranging from math, to letters and reading comprehension. Their products are focused on ELL, Pre-K through lower elementary school classrooms.
Platform: Android, iOS
AR Flashcards
AR Flashcards are a way to create interactive flashcards for both toddlers and preschoolers. When you point your device at the printed flashcard a beautifully rendered 3D animal will pop up on the screen. Tap the animal to hear the letter and animal name. And also, dinosaurs!
Platform: Android, iOS, Kindle Fire
Octagon Studio Flash Cards
Octagon’s 4D+ Animal Flash Cards show virtual animals in Augmented Reality. Octagon4D+ plans to take educational experiences to a brand new level.
Students of all ages can enhance their learning abilities through fun, interactive media.
