Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is the altering of the reality we are living in. This is different from virtual reality because augmented reality actually uses the environment you are currently in. Virtual reality creates a whole new world for the learner while augmented reality shows them changes to their own reality. For example, Snapchat is augmented reality. When we are able to see ourselves in the photo but it adds things to our faces and environment that is augmented reality. We are not transported to a different reality, our reality is simply changed. For the classroom, this could be helpful for diagrams and research information for the student. The student could pull up an augmented reality interactive photograph of a growing plant. The plant could have bullets shown with information for the student. This makes it interactive and adds factors that are not really there.

Students can be creative with augmented reality. Think about how excited we get about a new Snapchat filter. How great could that technology be in a classroom? Imagine the possibilities! The student could create an augmented reality of their classroom to show the effects of flooding or some force of nature. The room is still there, the students have just created a “filter” to show the effects. This brings learning to a whole new level. The students have now been immersed in the new reality, while still being able to connect to the real scene.

Students have to communicate while creating and viewing an augmented reality photo or video. The students will feed off of one another’s discussion points and talk to one another as they are viewing the photo and learning from it. They begin to learn not only from the augmented reality, but from one another also.

Critical thinking is key with augmented reality. The students must think all the way around the photo and explore all of its factors in order to get all of the information needed to succeed. This requires them to think critically about what questions to ask and where to look. When creating an augmented reality, the students must problem solve to be successful. They are to determine what information is important enough to include in the photo or video while creating it to be educational. Critical thinking requires the students to create and come up with a solution on their own. They are in charge of this project and must ensure that they are thinking all the way through it critically.

Students collaborate while working with augmented reality. While viewing the photo or video, they are working with their groups to look at all factors of the photo. They are working with one another to get the vital information from the source. Collaboration is key!