Top Augmented Reality Applications and Online Platforms
In the ever-evolving world of technology, augmented reality (AR) is making a significant impact in education. This innovative technology is not just a passing trend, but a transformative tool that is revolutionising the way students learn and engage with their subjects.
One such app, Augment, offers a simple and free platform for viewing 3D AR models, particularly useful for design-related subjects and presentations. However, it's not just about design. AR is proving to be an effective tool in fostering a love of learning among younger audiences as well. The My Very Hungry Caterpillar app, for instance, is ideal for kids up to age five, encouraging a love of nature and nurture.
Integrating AR apps and sites into school curricula can foster greater empathy and enhance student engagement. By creating immersive, emotionally rich learning experiences, AR allows students to explore perspectives and scenarios beyond traditional methods. This immersion can lead to a deeper emotional connection and empathetic understanding, a benefit that traditional textbooks or lectures may not achieve.
Empathy through immersion is one of the key points supporting this. AR and related extended reality (XR) technologies provide immersive environments where students can experience situations from others’ viewpoints, such as domestic abuse scenarios or mental health challenges. This immersion can foster a deeper emotional connection and empathetic understanding.
AR also enhances engagement and interactivity. By allowing exploration of complex concepts in an interactive way, AR increases student participation and information retention. For example, students can virtually dissect a frog using the Froggipedia app, covering every phase of frog life.
Besides factual knowledge acquisition, AR encourages critical thinking and emotional engagement, contributing to lasting learning outcomes. Furthermore, XR technologies can be adapted to diverse learning styles and needs, potentially promoting more equitable access to educational content. However, challenges such as device access and teacher training need addressing.
Research indicates that VR and AR applications in education can improve users’ empathy, attitudes, and confidence in recognising complex social issues, suggesting similar benefits in school settings.
Many AR apps and sites are free or inexpensive, making them accessible to a wide range of students. For instance, Wonderscope is an interactive story app that allows kids to move around and become part of the story. The first story is free, and additional stories are $4.99 each. Similarly, SkyView Explore the Universe is a popular AR astronomy app that allows users to identify galaxies, stars, constellations, planets, and satellites both day and night. It costs $1.99 and is available on iOS and Android.
Educational platforms such as Assemblr EDU, Lifeliqe, CoSpaces Edu, and 3DBear AR offer lesson plans, challenges, 3D models, social media sharing, and 3D printing capability. RakugakiAR, an award-winning app, animates scanned drawings and doodles, while solAR - Solar System in AR allows users to investigate and learn about the solar system.
In conclusion, the combination of immersive experience, active learning, and emotional engagement facilitated by AR apps integrated into curricula can build stronger empathy and boost student engagement, enhancing both social and academic outcomes. This article was updated on May 24, 2024.
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