Augmentative Reality in Education

Augmented Reality is defined as, “the real-time use of information in the form of text, graphics, audio and other virtual enhancements integrated with real-world objects.”(Gartner’s IT Glossary, 2012). Integrating this into the educational experience, this extension of technology could, “engage students through technology and also add new dimensions to the learning experience”(Elliott, 2014). While most teachers have not taken a plunge into AR, technologies like Aurasma have been around for a while and offer a unique new dimension to learning and allow students to experience curriculum through a “trigger” (a photo or object) that has an “aura” (interactive experience featuring an animation, video, or image)” (Elliott, 2014).

Aurasma is an amazing experience for teachers and students. When using the application, you have an option to use created auras or create your own and then, by pointing your device at any image, object or location, creating engagement and interaction by allowing you to add rich interactive content. Although businesses are considering using it more, this could bring education to life. Educators can do this by adding a layer of additional information to a picture or chart, provide translations to texts when practicing other languages, revealing answers to a math problem, showing a flowchart that expands on text or providing a GIF or video in an image or area. The advantage of using this would be that educators could provide an education experience layered into the traditional model, allowing students to really live out their education.

The application is free on iOS and Android.

Aurasma. (2015). Aurasma.com. Retrieved from
           https://www.aurasma.com/

Elliott, Ann. (2014). Aurasma: Augmented Reality for Your Classroom. Edudemic. Retrieved from
           http://www.edudemic.com/aurasma-for-your-classroom/

Gartner IT Glossary. (2012). Gartner IT Glossary. Retrieved from
           http://www.gartner.com/it-glossary/vr-virtual-reality