Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where objects that reside in the real-world are "augmented" by computer-generated perceptual information, sometimes across multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, and olfactory. (Wikipedia) . What this means is that you will be able to walk or drive around as informative graphics appear in your field of view, and audio will coincide with whatever you see. These enhancements will be refreshed continually to reflect the movements of your head. Google Glasses were one of the early implementations of this technology and Pokemon Go, Snapchat lens, Instagram add-ons, and Google Lens stickers are current examples of searching for items with additional information about them or adding additional information like stickers. Apple and Google are investing heavily in AR applications.

AR technology allow students to better understand complex concepts by creating 3D models for exploration and even interaction with the models. Examples include the Complete Anatomy App and GeoGebra AR. It can be used to learn more about artifacts in museums or locations through their mobile devices.

There are several types:

Marker-based AR (Image Recognition or Recognition-based AR): uses camera and some type of visual marker to produce results when sensed. 3D images or additional information superimposed over own environment.
- Scanning QR codes
- WaypointEDU
- Google Translate - point camera to text and translate into another language
- Star Walk2
- Skyview
- Complete Anatomy App
- GeoGebra AR
- Animal 4D+ - flash cards that become 3D when scanned
- Portal AR (Scotland)
Location-based or position-based AR: uses GPS, digital compass, velocity meter or accelerometer embedded in device to provide data based on location
- Google Maps
Projection-based AR: projects artificial light onto real world surfaces and then senses the human interaction (i.e. touch) of that projected light.
Superimposition-based AR: partially or fully replaces the original view of an object with a new augmented view of that same object
- IKEA Furniture Catalog
- Showing infrared view, night vision, radioactive view, etc in first-person-shooter games
Outlining AR: recognizes boundaries and outlines them
- Car display that shows wireframe of backing up
- ARuler, AR Measurement Kit, PLNAR, 3D Room Builder, Quick Measure

There are also books enhanced with Augmented Reality images. Download the app to use with the print book.

iSolar System, iScience, IDinosaur, iStorm from Carlton Books
Animal Kingdom from Interactive Animal Books

Try it Yourself

Play with MergeCube (https://www.MergeCube.com)
- IT Worked: Merge Cube AR for the Classroom! (review)
- Try out an app: (additional apps reviewed)
  - Mr. Body
  - Galactic Explorer
- Explore the Dig App - try using one of the existing environments, create one of your own 3D world
  - For an example, see Merge Cube in Math Class!
Go through two of the following sites to learn the basics of the app:
- WaypointEDU (see Support)
- Civilisations AR (see tutorial in app and video walkthrough)
- ARuler (see tutorial in app and demo video)
- Jigspace (video)
- GeoGebra AR ( see Getting Started)
- OR one of those listed below under Optional.
Do Your Challenge: Experience one AR environment in two different apps. Do this either individually or with your partner.
1. Waypoint EDU - do one indoor hunt and locate all the markers
2. GeoGebra - model one equation, change one variable and observe the change
3. Civilisations - explore one artifact including information about it and location
4. ARuler - measure one object in the room
5. Jigspace - explore one concept
Create a Challenge; With your partner, create a challenge that could be used in a makerspace for students at your level.
Create a curricular tie-in: With your partner, develop a idea to suggest to teachers for using one of the apps tied to classroom curriculum.
1. Include an objective, at least one relevant standard that could be included, a description of an activity, and considerations on it implementation (e.g., equipment needs, student skills, grouping, timeframe).

Optional

If you have time to play with a few others, try:

Adding drawings on an image or video:
- Just a Line
- Vuforia Chalk
Holo - place 3D objects in your environment
Leo AR Camera - place 3D objects in your environment . (demo, examples)
WWF Free Rivers - immerse yourself in the landscape
PortalAR -- explore Edinburgh Castle or a distillery or Ben Nevis from the air
Quiver - color pages
Anatomy 4D, Elements 4D (Android only)
Metaverse - challenges on a range of subjects including those you can create in Metaverse Studio (video tutorial on creating and linking scenes for challenge or additional tutorials)

Resources

Developer Tools:

ARCore (Google)
ARKit (Apple)
Augment (Anroid and iOS): visualize 3D models in Augmented Reality, integrated in real time in their actual size and environment
HP Reveal (formerly Aurasma)
There are many other business apps like Vuforia

For Teachers:

Google Sites

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