Augmented Reality (AR) technology overlaps digital information or content like sounds, videos, and graphics on top of the real-world environment. This technology is often confused with virtual reality (VR), a technology that creates entirely artificial environments. AR applications are increasingly being expanded in engineering, medicine and healthcare, retail, manufacturing, entertainment, space exploration, military, defense, and so on with giant steps. There is no doubt that the use of AR is going to make a revolutionary change in the classroom so soon. This article further explores the advancement of the AR effect in education.

Higher student engagement and interest

The adaptation of AR often helps students with complicated subjects such as biology, anatomy, physics, engineering, math, and many more. Exposure to the virtual world in the classroom gives students an exciting experience and opportunity to explore new interests. Their minds are filled with curiosity to see what is next. Students tend to study materials more deeply through immersion. As a result, the spark of AR technology ensures the active engagement of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners in a classroom. Also, AR is a blessing for distant learners to continue their studies without a hassle, as all the materials are within their reach. Beyond the classroom, AR applications can also assist students with creative college activities and organizing university events. AR technology unleashes the potential of learners.

Enhanced quality teaching

Teachers/Lecturers can take innovative initiatives with AR applications to deliver a top-notch learning experience to learners leaving aside ordinary and traditional teaching methods. This further allows tutors to experiment with new teaching methods, improve interactive classroom sessions, adjust teaching plans, improve student engagement, and pay more attention to students’ progress. AR is a handy tool for teachers/lecturers to immerse students in their learning. In other words, teachers/lecturers can have a holistic approach in their teaching with AR in the classroom.

Easy access to learning materials and equipment

It is evident that many schools and educational institutions lack up-to-date teaching materials and quality content, and students have to study outdated information. One of the best solutions for this problem is now at your fingertips with AR technology. In an AR application, teachers and learners can easily download the latest data and learning materials and display them in an interactive format using smartphones, tablets, or any personal gadgets. This easy access promotes more excitement among students to learn whenever they want. For example, students with geometry difficulties can use an AR application to see and manipulate 3D geometric forms. Not only that, AR applications can provide any required 3D models and helpful tutorials when it is necessary to explore specific equipment and learn how to use it. It is commendable to witness the ability of AR to turn any digital information into learning materials. You name anything; AR got you covered.

Promoting a safer learning environment

Going out and getting practical exposure to study materials is not always applicable due to various constraints, especially during the pandemic. An AR project has allowed students to swim with sharks! This unique experience helps students make decisions under pressure and to explore the sharks’ view. Another example is AR applications from Google that allows conducting a virtual 3D tour of the most famous locations globally, spending a day at an opera, and even visiting different countries without leaving a class or home. Medical students can learn anatomy and practice examining the body using AR technology that represents the human body inside and out. Not only that, AR applications help conduct experiments like trying different chemical combinations and seeing their reactions. All these interactive sessions enhance a safer environment for learners without dissecting real animals, harming students and property, or working with dangerous tools. The scope of AR is vast.

Collaborative learning experience

Working collaboratively keeps students motivated as they are actively engaged in the classroom. AR promotes both teacher-centered and learner-centered learning experiences. Working together helps learn faster, mutual understanding, interaction with teachers and colleagues, and teamwork.