Yesterday, I was talking to a colleague about the power of education technology. Since she is a social studies educator, I told her about the power of VR and AR. She knows a lot about VR but not much about AR and its benefits. In response, I decided to pen an article that examines the 4 benefits of using AR in the classroom.

1. AR changes the way learners interact with their world and, in turn, learn their subject content. Deeper Learning With QR Codes and Augmented Reality: A Scannable Solution for Your Classroom by Monica Burns is an excellent book that gives educators examples of using AR efficiently. The overall aim of AR is in the name itself; it wants to “augment” reality and, in doing so, teach learners more about what they see and how to see it.

2. Premade resources are readily available. Carlton books have published several books that are already integrated with AR tech. Learners simply need a smartphone to bring the pages of textbooks to life. Numerous businesses are publishing books encoded with AR possibilities. For educators, premade resources take away the stress of being involved with the technological aspect of lesson planning, while still giving learners a novel way to engage with content.

3. Printing AR-enabled worksheets gives learners the chance to engage with the AR at home. This can make homework more engaging and learners can explore the AR opportunities and content in their own time. This aspect is essential if learners are to foster a positive relationship with education and tech. The International Society for Technological Education has many resources on how to produce printable AR worksheets. These can be adapted to fit any age group and subject matter.

4. Augmented Reality can make class trips more informative. Most museums and historical sites have added AR features to their exhibits to appeal to a population dependent on tech for information. AR is replacing the “guided audio” tours that were widely held in the early 2000s. Learners and guests can now get additional information through their screens and customize their experiences. Curators are usually involved in creating these AR experiences, ensuring that all information is accurate and well-sourced.

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