BLOG 4 | TASK 2 - Augmented Reality in Education

Augmented Reality (AR) can revolutionise our interactions with mobile applications and other visual graphics encounters. By leveraging AR technology, educators can transform abstract concepts into tangible objects, thereby facilitating students' comprehension of complex topics (Billinghurst & Duenser, 2012). This cutting-edge technology has the capability of integrating computer-generated graphics into the real environment displayed on the screen and can offer students a more immersive learning experience (Chen, 2020).

ZapWorks (ZapWorks: Create Your Own Augmented Reality Experiences, n.d.) is an innovative software that offers a simple and efficient way to integrate AR technology into the classroom. With ZapWorks, users can create and share interactive AR experiences on any device, without requiring advanced programming skills. This software offers three different design options, including word tracking, image tracking or face tracking, along with numerous templates to choose from, making it a versatile tool for educators to create engaging AR experiences for students. Other features include, complete customization options, allowing users to embed fun and creativity using buttons, text, images and videos into their projects.

Figure 1: QR code design created on PowerPoint to upload onto Zapworks. (Original author content. Rabi, 2023)

Figure 2: Scanning QR code created, using Zapworks (Original author content. Rabi, 2023)

How can we use it in the classroom?

ZapWorks can be used in a number of subjects or topics, the options are endless!

A few examples are but not limited to:

Geometry: 3D shapes can be manipulated to aid students who are struggling with the concept of 3D shapes.

Science: Creating an AR experience to study planets in space, molecules or even a 3D recreation of a natural disaster e.g. Tsunami or tornado.

Geography: Students are able to view layers of a volcano in 3D.

Animal Safari AR is an excellent AR application that serves as an ideal introduction to ZapWorks. By utilising the camera on your phone, this app enables users to view 3D models of various wild animal on the screen. This is beneficial across all ages.

Figure 3: Feeding a bear using Animal Safari AR. (Original author content. Rabi, 2023)

Figure 4: Information card for an Addax, screen shots taken from Animal Safari AR. (Original author content. Rabi, 2023)

Animal Safari AR offers several benefits such as:

- Animals depicted are nearly to scale

- Realistic features, allows user to listen to authentic animal sounds

- Users can feed animals and watch them eat

- Each animal comes with an information card that allows users to read about additional information about the animal, their diet and location (as shown in fig. 4).

However, there are also some disadvantages consider such as:

- Limited use of the app to certain subjects that cover animals.

- Some animals included in the list are locked and must be purchased to access.

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REFERENCES

Billinghurst, M., & Duenser, A. (2012). Augmented Reality in the Classroom. Computer, 45(7), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1109/mc.2012.111

Chen, C.-H. (2020). Impacts of augmented reality and a digital game on students’ science learning with reflection prompts in multimedia learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(6), 3057–3076. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09834-w

ZapWorks: Create Your Own Augmented Reality Experiences. (n.d.). Zap.works. Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://zap.works/

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