6 Benefits and Examples of Augmented Reality in Education

Augmented reality is a popular technology in the world of gaming and entertainment. Because of its notable benefits, the technology has been gaining popularity in the education domain as well. There are many ways augmented reality makes the process of learning more exciting. Students quickly understand what is being taught and remember it for a longer time. The way teachers and schools use augmented reality in education is also changing with time. Here are the 6 benefits and 5 examples of augmented reality in education.

Top 6 Benefits of Augmented Reality in Education

1. Better Collaboration: Be it improving teamwork among students, or improving teacher-learner collaboration, augmented reality helps in doing it all. The applications of augmented reality in education are so designed that they promote interaction among learners. Moreover, the technology allows teachers to be actively involved in the teaching-learning process and guide students throughout.
2. Enhanced Student Engagement: Modern learners respond tremendously to technology. Hence, when new-age technology like augmented reality is used in the classroom, students are excited to learn. Therefore, student engagement is increased, and learners stay active in the classroom.
3. Increased Motivation: When students enjoy learning, they stay motivated and excited to know more. Since augmented reality makes learning a fun affair, learners feel encouraged to learn more. Familiarity with technology further helps in boosting their confidence.
4. A Faster Learning Experience: Augmented reality in education uses interactive resources such as simulations, 3D models, and animations. These resources are highly stimulating that make even the most complex concepts of different subjects easily understandable. The same is difficult to be achieved with the traditional methods of teaching. Hence, augmented reality in education provides a faster learning experience to students.
5. Long-term Memory Retention: Augmented reality emphasizes practical learning. When students ‘learn by doing', they remember things for a longer time. This approach of learning is different from rote learning and didactic methods that require the memorization of topics. Through practical knowledge, augmented reality in education promotes self-learning that lets students learn at their own pace.
6. Involvement of Physical Tasks: AR games such as Pokémon Go are examples of how augmented reality apps make use of physical tasks. The same happens in the world of education as well. Students don't just have to sit to understand the concepts. Instead, they will be involved in some physical activities that make learning even more enticing.

5 Examples of Augmented Reality in Education

1. Simulations for Practical Learning: Simulations are a great way to help students learn through practicality within the classroom walls. While conducting every session in the laboratory isn't the feasible option for teachers, augmented reality makes practical learning easier without any special equipment.
2. 3D Interactive Models for Better Understanding: Augmented reality allows the user to scan an image on a textbook and augment it into a 3D interactive model. These models are well defined that provide a deeper understanding of students.
3. Virtual Field Trips: Field trips play a crucial role in connecting students to the real world. Although field trips are essential, teachers and schools can't organize such events now and then. Technologies such as augmented reality help students to take a tour of distant locations and places to study them in detail. Google Expeditions is one of the best examples that provide AR and VR tours for teaching-learning in the classroom.
4. Safe Training: While practical learning is critical for a better understanding of various topics, many situations need not be experienced. Some of these instances are engine failure or handling potential emergencies. Augmented reality in education allows learners to experience all these situations without harming themselves.
5. For Specially-abled Students: Augmented reality in education makes learning easier for students with a disability. Some apps are specially designed to help students with speech and visual defects. The stimulating visualizations and simulations provide an engaging experience to these learners and help them learn faster.

Chief Manager Marketing and content strategist for CampusCare, Jitender's a former school public relations specialist who's helped businesses and schools since the year 2000, and has been working closely with schools to fulfil their goals.