With the advancement of technologies in the education domain, students & teachers now have a plethora of good learning opportunities. Contrary to conventional teaching and learning through desktops & mobile devices, AR brings more interaction and productivity.

AR in schools and universities let everyone collaborate on a common platform and experience a new form of exploration. The post-pandemic classrooms using AR for advanced learning will define a new path for students to explore topics. The transformation of classrooms is not so far from us as several institutions are closely working on integrating AR.

We have seen various implementations — exploring STEM topics or leveraging augmented reality to simplify detailed medical studies. But, at this pace, one question that hits our minds is ‘Will AR transform the classrooms forever?’

As there are many educational use cases of AR, the chances of this technology creating a paradigm shift are higher. As more institutions are coming ahead to adopt this modern tech, let’s deep dive into augmented learning and how it’s different.

What is Augmented Learning?

The image used for illustration purposes. Zeal AR is not the owner or creator of the image.

Augmented learning is a futuristic concept of using augmented technology in learning to make it more interactive and livelier. By using the digital educational information available around us, this technology will offer augmented models. This new form of digital learning will bring in more participation, interaction, and immersion for both instructors and learners.

Whenever students or the tutor scan AR-based models using their mobile devices, they will see a superimposed interpretation. The content could be a video, game, illustrative animation, and much more.

In traditional teaching methods, students need to carry textbooks and search for information. On the other hand, an AR education App offers a portable alternative that sums up the entire curriculum. In addition, it is a more personalized approach towards both in-person and distance education. The best part about AR-based learning is that teachers can bring the outside world inside and deliver context much better.

Schools and institutions can disrupt conventional methods by binding video and AR content together in modern learning. Compared to text, videos & animations are much faster to grasp. And, when the same audio-visual content combines with augmented models, there is no looking back.

How will AR learning transform classrooms?

AR in the classroom is a perfect example of getting the maximum use of a technology and generating more value. AR can transform the ordinary classroom in multiple ways for both students and teachers. Following are key aspects of how AR will improve the existing classroom environment.

Improved engagement

No two students are the same, and their way of learning also varies due to several factors. However, AR can bridge the gap and bring all students on the same page through communicative education. As learners get to see 2d images with an immersive experience, the way they interpret things changes.

Simplified learning

AR technology has the caliber to simplify complex topics. This tech makes it easier for everyone to understand what’s been taught in the classroom. As teachers also have multiple ways to deliver the information, the overall learning becomes personalized.

Better visualization

Visualization and creativity are two pillars of successful education, and AR development is doing its part to make things easier. Compared to conventional classroom interactions, this technology lets students visualize concepts with clarity.

Higher retention

Student retention is an essential factor, and with access to the internet and social media, it has become harder to maintain it. But, this tech can help schools to regain higher retention by delivering a more immersive experience.

When does AR make more sense in classrooms?

An AR application in education can disrupt the exchange of information and drive more values. However, as there are multiple streams, hundreds of subjects and thousands of topics — we need more coverage. As of now, AR has more focus on STEM, arts, humanities and other mainstream subjects. The other subjects fall in the middle of the evolution that need attention for digitizing them.

As we make more progress into more subjects, the scope of this technology will improve. Then it will make more sense to transform the classrooms. With the speed at which this revolution is bringing changes in various educational sectors, we will see more applications in the future.

Popular AR apps

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If you are curious to try a couple of augmented reality apps and experience the immersive content, here are a few to begin with:

• Narrator AR — Interesting preschool writing and narration
• Quiver Education — Immersive sketching and drawing application
• Space 4D+ — Information-driven solar system exploration app
• ANSTO XR — Handy periodic table app that let students explore every element in detail
• Bookful — Storytelling application with interesting animated characters

Wrapping up

AR has the potential to turn learners into leaders of tomorrow with its ability to deliver education in a better manner. As this tech advances and becomes more accessible, we will see more innovations coming in the future.