In my experimentation with free iPhone apps, I have been able to take upload photo, text, and video for use. I can then take a photo of my environment and paste my item over the top. After saving this, I can then move my phone around the room to view the various items I have pasted. Such creative apps include Aurasma and Glyphics and could be viewed as a form of 'virtual graffiti.' I have also downloaded a few apps which already have set items. These involve finding a compatible item (often labelled) or printing a sheet from the app for use. For example, there are apps which will recognise a set picture book and allow you to view the pictures as an animation and others will scan compatible movie posters and allow you to see an animation of one of the characters.
Moving on to classroom applications gets me really excited! Imagine having:
- art displayed on the walls outside the classroom which the parents can scan to see a video of their child creating the piece and describing their thinking.
- walking into a classroom as a relief teacher and telling the kids you have redecorated the walls with invisible resources for the day.
- class announcements attached to the class sign on the door.
- attaching video assistance for homework assignments.
- sending students on a virtual treasure hunt.
- being able to view virtual historic pictures overlapping real modern scenes.
Furthermore, presenting students with augmented reality allows them to glimpse into a possible reality for them and consider the implications. I would love to have a brainstorming session with a group of students and see what possibilities they could see for this technology. For the time being though, here is the list created from research, along with a melding of my brain and the stolen thoughts from an ICT-minded husband:
- glasses for police which identify wanted persons passing by, police records, and other vital information immediately.
- virtual advertising adding another layer when a shop front, business card or poster is viewed.
- guidance for repair work, such as step-by-step instructions for mechanical repairs.
- interactive books which include zooming abilities, videos, and 3-D models.
- interactive postcards, similar to picture book idea above.
- experimentation with designs before spending money on real resources.
- online profiles attached to individuals and accessible to the public (even if basic info).
- augmented reality tours through tourist attractions, museums, etc.
- GPS systems for variety of travel methods
- identifying plants, providing information about appropriate care and links to more info
We could probably go on, but you get the general idea - there is a lot of possible ideas. By the time some of our students graduate, some of these things could be a normal part of life. We could fight against it, as we have against certain other new technologies, such as the self-checkout when they first invaded supermarkets. Otherwise, get on board and encourage your students to think creatively and prepare for their possible futures.
Passionate to keep up-to-date? Google is your best friend, but saving you the trip, you can get started here:
- iTeach - Aurasma: a quick focus on Aurasma and the classroom.
- Edudemic - How to start using augmented reality in the classroom: provides a handy break down of two popular, free apps for augmented reality.
- Pinterest - Tina Wahlert - Augmented reality in the classroom: a whole pinterest board with links to information and ideas.
How new is this idea for you? How do you feel about moving into an even more ICT-reliant world as times go on? Do you have more inspirational ideas for us or a favourite form of augmented reality?
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