Augmented Reality brings the user into the computer-generated world without taking them out of their own.
Not Virtual Reality?
I prefer AR to VR because it allows for users to experience it on devices that most of us already own. The potential for ARs adoption on smartphones and tablets simply seems more likely than VR’s potential smartphone consumption. AR can be used as an educational tool by bringing together theoretical and practical learning environments together to form a uniquely immersive experience.
How can Augmented Reality be used to teach?
AR can provide a practical learning experience by simulating the practical environment where students can simultaneously reference or use their theoretical material.I once imagined an AR application where botany students can aim their device’s camera at a plant and physiological and ecological information about the plant is displayed in real time. Rather than just learning about the plant in the classroom, the students can venture outside of the classroom and learn about the plant while seeing the real thing. As a result, students are more engaged because they can see, smell and touch the plant while acquiring the theoretical knowledge.
So What’s Your Niche?
The theory surrounding Augmented Reality can be applied to foreign-language learning because of its immersive nature. Something I’ve pondered is an app where somebody their device’s camera at an object in real life and see the name of the item in the foreign language displayed on the screen. One feature that would take the application a step further is an audio function where the name of the object is played by the application to help the student practice the proper pronunciation. I’ve dreamed of an environment where the names of objects are displayed in a foreign language for students.
I’m still working out the kinks in my idea, but I’m open to suggesting it.
