Wouldn’t it be great if we could create an artificial environment, using digital information and the user’s real-time surroundings? Well, we can use augmented reality (AR) to do exactly that!
Teaching augmented reality may be a fairly new concept for some within the education sector, it certainly was for me until recently. OCR has become the first awarding body to include AR within one of their specifications. For teaching from September 2022, the Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 IT qualification includes a mandatory unit requiring students to design, develop, test and evaluate their own prototype AR product.
What is augmented reality?
I’ve often heard the terms augmented and virtual reality used interchangeably, which of course would be incorrect given they’re two different forms of technology.
- Augmented reality (AR) is the real life use of digital information, such as text, graphics, audio etc. integrated with real world objects.
- Virtual reality (VR) creates an immersive virtual environment, replacing the real world with a fictional reality, which is why VR is so useful for gaming.
Generally, users of VR will require a headset to create the virtual environment, whilst users of AR can simply use their smartphone, tablet etc to interact with their real-life surroundings.
Augmented reality - a rapidly growing industry
The augmented reality industry is growing, the UK government anticipated there would be a 78.3% growth rate for spending on AR and VR between 2019 and 2024, with growth predicted to reach £62.5 billion by 2030. AR is exciting, innovative and holds so much potential for the young people we currently teach. With this growing market, it’s paramount we offer our students the opportunity to learn more about this technology.
Where is augmented reality used?
You’ve probably interacted with AR technology on a regular basis and not realised. Here are a few examples:
- IKEA Place app - this app allows you to use your smartphone to place IKEA furniture into your living space, allowing you to visualise what the object will look like before purchasing it.
- Snapchat “Dress up” - a new feature within the popular social media platform which allows users to virtually try on clothing.
- Education - AR can be used across many different subjects, from science to geography. Many different apps have now been developed to help bring learning to life. For example, the app below is used to help students identify different parts of the human anatomy.
Support from STEM Learning
This autumn, STEM Learning will be hosting a 2-day residential for teachers looking at how to plan, develop, test and evaluate a working AR prototype product. Over the 2 days you’ll go deep into understanding AR and why it exists, the different types of AR, how to plan and develop your own working prototype, test and evaluate your working model. You’ll also explore the ethics and legal aspects of using AR.
The 2-day residential is due to take place at the National STEM Learning Centre, York on the 19th and 20th October 2022.
Go to 'Developing augmented reality (AR) products' or search for course code NC201.