Introduction

In India, more and more schools are following the trend set by AR technology, and soon enough, this will change the traditional classroom experience. While private schools have partnered with ed-tech companies to develop customized AR content, government-aided schools, too, are making a foray into the AR way, albeit a bit slowly, driven in large part by initiatives such as NEP 2020. Notwithstanding challenges like inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, and costs, several schools in India have begun integrating the use of AR into their curriculum making complex concepts more engaging, interactive, and accessible for students.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays information made by a computer onto the real world through the device's camera and display. Unlike Virtual Reality, which fully immerses users into an environment, AR enriches the real world with additional virtual objects, sounds, and other sensory inputs. While the technology itself dates back several decades, current improvements in mobile devices and software make it very accessible and more affordable for educational institutions.

Augmented Reality in Education: Benefits

Augmented Reality is changing the classroom in many ways, thereby providing several benefits associated with it for both students and teachers and the entire learning process. Among the principal advantages related to AR for education are:

Higher Engagement: AR makes the learning process more interactive and engaging. Now, students can take part in various immersive experiences that will trigger their curiosity and imagination.

Better Understanding: AR allows students to create 3D visualizations of complex concepts, hence developing an understanding of abstract ideas in a manner that is relatable and memorable.

Personalized Learning: AR empowers educators to tailor the process of learning for individual students, depending on needs, abilities, and learning styles, promoting an all-inclusive environment that is effective in learning.

Higher Accessibility: AR can reach disabled students, remote/rural students, and students who don't have access to traditional educational resources, hence bridging the gap between education opportunities.

Cost-Effective: AR can reduce costs incurred by the traditional system of teaching through books, traveling, and equipment, hence enabling more people to have access to quality education.

Augmented Reality in the Classroom: Examples and Applications
​
Augmented Reality finds multiple usages across subjects and age groups. Following are a few examples of AR in action:

Interactive Textbooks: With AR-enabled textbooks, learning comes alive. Students can simply scan the pages to engage with interactive content, including 3D models, videos, or even quizzes.

Virtual Labs: With the help of AR-based virtual labs, students can be allowed to practice experimentation and investigation in completely safe conditions, by controlling expenditure and risks.

Anatomy Education: AR helps learners scrutinize the human body in 3D dimensions, making it easier for one to understand complex structures and relationships in human anatomy.

Language Learning: Through interactive games, quizzes, and other exercises, AR-based language learning applications help to develop the language skills of learners in a highly engaging and fun manner.

STEM Education: AR is used to teach any complex concept related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with interactive, practical learning.

Implementing Augmented Reality in the Classroom

Though augmented reality offers a lot, it requires some serious planning, resources, and support to implement within the classroom. The steps mentioned below may be considered while doing so:

Assess Your Needs: Determine how AR can enhance your teaching goals and learning objectives and evaluate what technical requirements and resources this would involve.

Choose the Right Tools: Choose AR software and hardware that align with the teaching objectives and student needs and work with the technical infrastructure.

Design a Content Plan: Design new or adapt relevant high-quality AR content that answers your curriculum and teaching objectives.

Teachers' Training: Prepare teachers with the training and support necessary to effectively implement AR in their pedagogical processes.

Monitor Progress: Continuously assess the effectiveness of AR in your classroom and make changes and improvements as needed.

Overcoming Challenges and Limitations

Despite the huge potential of augmented reality to cause a revolution in education, several challenges and limitations must be considered, such as:

Technical Issues: Technical problems like connectivity issues or any other device compatibility issue can slow down the AR experience.

Cost and Accessibility: High-end AR devices and software are not pocket-friendly and, hence quite inaccessible to some students and schools.

Teacher Training: There may be a need to train teachers in using technology and help in integrating AR into their teaching.

Content Quality: The extent and suitability of AR content can impact the learning experience and, as such, should be carefully curated and developed.

Considering AR is taking the classroom setting to a whole new level with all sorts of benefits to learners, teachers, and the learning process, then this technology should surely revolutionize education. However, to harness it fully, certain skilled professionals must be there who can create immersive, interactive, and effective learning experiences. That's where Jetking comes in. Our Metaverse course will make you proficient in AR, VR, 3D modeling, graphics, editing, and much more, to see the bright future of education. Join Jetking today and be part of the movement that is changing the face of learning!

​Read our blog on AI in Graphic Design: The Rise of Intelligent Design Tools