Decades ago, you could only learn about the human skeletal system in videos, pictures or through a realistic anatomical model. Now, you can project a hyper-realistic 3D viewing of the human skeleton right in your classroom. This is one of the many ways augmented reality has changed teaching and learning.
Let’s take a deep dive into augmented reality in education and the different practical use cases. We’ll cover:
- What is augmented reality in education?
- What are the benefits of augmented reality in education?
- Applications of augmented reality in education
- Augmented reality vs. virtual reality
- Practical tips for implementing augmented reality in the classroom
- Augmented reality doesn’t replace fundamental learning experiences
- FAQs
What is augmented reality in education?
Augmented reality in education (AR) means adding digital technology to a physical classroom to help learners understand real-life concepts better. It doesn’t replace reality; rather, it helps learners and instructors visualize otherwise abstract and obscure concepts.
Let’s say you’re teaching about the solar system. Instead of just talking about it, you bring in a holographic projector. With it, you can show the sun and all the planets orbiting around it in 3D right in the middle of the classroom. You can make the planets bigger or smaller, spin them around, and even zoom in to see details.
This allows learners to see the scale and arrangement of the solar system in a way that’s much more engaging and immersive than traditional diagrams or illustrations. Instead of just reading from a book, looking at pictures, or watching videos, students can interact with the solar system in real time and actually see how everything fits together.
What are the benefits of augmented reality in education?
Let’s look at some reasons why it’s worth incorporating augmented reality into the learning environment.
It improves accessibility in the classroom
In traditional classroom settings, students are often expected to adapt to a one-size-fits-all approach to learning, which can leave some learners behind. Augmented reality solves this problem by empowering instructors to support multiple learning styles at the same time.
Take our solar system class, for example. Here’s how you can use AR for different learning styles:
- Visual learners: Use an AR app that projects a scaled-down model of the solar system in the classroom. Visual learners can see the planets orbiting the sun, observe their sizes relative to each other, and even witness phenomena like eclipses or planetary rotations.
- Auditory learners: Discuss key information about each planet — like its unique features and composition — while the AR model is active.
- Reading learners: Provide supplementary reading materials or digital text overlays within the app, such as planet facts, trivia, and historical discoveries.
- Kinesthetic learners: Let kinesthetic learners interact with the virtual solar system using touch gestures or motion controls. For example, students can “grab” planets, move them around, and adjust their orbits.
This creates a more inclusive learning environment that allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that best suits their individual needs. No student is left out, no matter how they learn.
It helps students grasp complex concepts
If you’ve never seen an onion and someone spent all their time describing what it looked like, you might not fully understand what it means. Seeing a picture, however, makes it much easier to understand.
Augmented reality is even better. Not only can learners visualize difficult-to-understand concepts, but they can also actively interact with them. For example, they can zoom into the virtual onion to observe its texture closely. And they can also “peel off” each layer to see the onion’s internal structure.
By the end of the class, students will know what an onion is and can explain it as well as someone who’s seen a real one.
Applications of augmented reality in education
Now that you have a clear understanding of augmented reality and its benefits let’s look at some real-life examples of incorporating AR into the classroom.
AR in STEM
There are two major AR use cases in STEM education: Inquiry-based simulation and problem-based simulation
Inquiry-based simulation
This involves using AR applications to visualize abstract concepts and scenarios so that they are easier to investigate and explore. It provides students with hands-on practical knowledge of complex subjects.
The GeoGebra Mathematics simulator AR app is a great example here. It lets students create interactive 3D models of geometric shapes as they solve equations. They can zoom into different aspects of the shape and modify its structure per the equation.
This allows learners to explore mathematical concepts in a hands-on way.
Problem-based simulation
Use AR to create real-life scenarios that require problem-solving — whether as a group or in a self-directed context.
A good example is AR Circuit. It’s an interactive model that lets students connect circuit boards virtually. They can experiment with different conductors and settings and see how these changes affect the inner workings of an electricity circuit.
Speaking on what inspired the app, Harry Banda said AR Circuit was born out of the need to bridge the equipment gap in Zambian schools, especially for Physics and Chemistry classes.
AR in History and Art
The biggest application of augmented reality in history is immersive learning. It can help you recreate historical events to make interactive learning more effective.
One app that does this really well is Living History, which is mostly used in museums for self-guided tours. It conjures apparitions of historical characters that re-enact the exact events that happened in the past.
Say you’re walking through the World War 1 section of the museum. Instead of just looking at the pictures and notes, you walk through ghost-like figures of soldiers in battle — with the landscape and trenches of the battlefield.
Other applications of AR in history and art include:
- Digital graffiti which allows learners to create beautiful graffiti without defacing walls. There are many mobile apps for this, including Vandaleak and Graffiti Go.
- Virtual 3D art creation which allows students to convert paintings and sketches to 3D artworks they can engage with. Say a student draws a house; they can convert it into a life-like housing structure and place it anywhere with FeelTheArt.
- Host AR art shows right in the classroom. Students can use Artivive to create beautiful AR artwork for free.
AR in medicine
Augmented reality is used for case-based simulations in medical training. Case-based simulations involve presenting learners with a complex scenario that mimics a real-life situation they might encounter in their professional lives. It helps them apply their skills practically and develop core competencies for the real world.
A good example is AccuVein, a vein visualization system. It uses augmented reality to project an image of the patient’s veins onto their skin, which helps medical professionals locate veins more easily and accurately.
In medical training, students can use the AccuVein system to practice finding veins on a simulated patient. The system provides real-time feedback, helping students improve their accuracy and technique.
Augmented reality vs. virtual reality
Augmented reality and virtual reality are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. Here’s a quick comparison table showing how these technologies pit against each other.
| Augmented Reality | Virtual Reality | |
| Definition | Integrates digital information with the real world | Immerses users in a completely virtual environment |
| Interaction with the real world | Overlays digital content onto the real world | Replaces the real world with a virtual one |
| Immersion level | Partial immersion | Full immersion |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Devices | Smartphones, tablets, smart glasses | Head-mounted displays (HMDs), VR headsets |
| Examples | Virtual 3D models | VR simulations |
Let’s explore some of these distinctions further.
Definition
Augmented reality overlays digital information on the real world to help people understand it better. Virtual reality, on the other, doesn’t interact with the real world. Rather, it immerses the learner in an entirely different digital world.
Examples
Let’s say you’re teaching about the human body. With VR, you can create an immersive experience where the students are virtually transported inside the human body to explore its inner workings. They can interact with different organs, zoom in to see details, and even witness how each system works in real time. This creates a very engaging and immersive environment for the students to learn in.
On the other hand, with AR, you can scan a textbook page about the human heart and see a 3D model of the heart on top of the page. This allows the students to interact with the model, observe its different parts, and see how it functions in relation to the other organs. The students can still see the physical textbook underneath, which creates a more blended learning experience.
Cost
Augmented reality is generally cheaper than virtual reality because it requires less hardware.
With AR, you typically only need a smartphone or tablet and an AR app to get started. Most AR apps for education have a free plan — with paid plans costing $100 or less.
On the other hand, virtual reality requires a headset that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset costs about $500, while Apple’s Vision Pro headset costs $3,499. You might also need to invest in a powerful computer to run the VR software.
Practical tips for implementing augmented reality in the classroom
Keep the following in mind as you use augmented reality to improve teaching and learning.
Match the technology to learning objectives
It doesn’t matter how sophisticated the AR tool or software is. If it’s not helping you accomplish your learning objectives, then it’s not the right tool.
Write three to five things that you want students to be able to do at the end of the class. Say you’re teaching a class about the solar system; your learning objectives might look like this:
- Students should understand the composition of the solar system
- Students should be able to differentiate orbits from rotation
- Students should be able to identify the planets in our galaxy
Once you’ve listed these, the next question is, “What AR tools can help me accomplish these objectives?” For example, you might use a virtual projector to show realistic images of our solar system.
Consider your budget
Explore low-cost AR tools that are easy to use and maintain. The last thing you want is to introduce students to augmented reality only to quit down the road because you can’t maintain or replace the tools.
There are many free and affordable AR tools for different educational use cases — and we have already mentioned some of them in this article. Geogebra is a good example here. You can find others with a simple Google search for free AR apps.
Carry the learners along
Choose an AR tool that’s easily accessible for learners. That way, AR learning won’t stop in the classroom. Learners can practice independently or with after-school groups.
You also need to consider the learners’ knowledge levels. If they have no idea how AR tools work, it’s best to start with simple AR software like 3D mobile apps. You can introduce more complex tools as they learn more about this technology.
Related: What is blended learning?
Augmented reality doesn’t replace fundamental learning experiences
Think of augmented reality as the icing on the cake. It can enhance the learning experience, but it cannot fix broken systems, such as a lack of well-defined learning objectives, poor preparation, and inadequate feedback.
Pay attention to these fundamental learning requirements first. And when you have fulfilled them, you can incorporate augmented reality to deliver even better experiences for learners.
Enjoyed reading this? Check out a comprehensive guide on creating immersive experiences in the classroom.
Augmented reality FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about augmented reality in education.
How can I get started with AR in my classroom?
First, figure out where exactly augmented reality fits into your current classroom setup. Next, research budget-friendly AR software and tools. For example, start with low-cost AR software that works on your smartphone before investing in more expensive hardware.
Then, gradually introduce your students to the new AR setup for learning. Explain what AR is and how it can be used in the classroom. Show them some examples of AR experiences, and let them explore AR apps and software on their own.
Are there affordable AR tools for schools?
Yes, there are budget-friendly AR tools and applications for educational institutions. A good example is Co Spaces Edu, a 3D animation software. It has a free plan and the paid plans start at $74.99.
What subjects benefit the most from AR integration?
AR integration is mostly useful for subjects with visual or spatial components like History, Science, and Art. For example, in science, learners can use AR to interact with virtual simulations of chemical compounds or dissect virtual organisms.
In history, they can explore ancient civilizations by overlaying virtual ruins onto real-world locations. In Geography, they can explore different countries and cultures by overlaying virtual maps or landmarks onto real-world locations. In art, they can use AR to bring their creations to life in 3D.
What are the common applications of augmented reality in education?
There are many ways to use augmented reality to improve teaching and learning in the classroom. For example, you can add 3D models and animations to your textbooks to make them more interactive. You can also visualize real-life scenarios, such as a tree germinating from the soil, and abstract scientific concepts.
