Watts (2024) explores the difference between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). He states that AR replaces real-world environments with digital elements whereas VR is a digitally constructed environment. AR Makr is a free app that falls under Augmented Reality and it is designed for iPads, which are often used in primary schools. It allows students to create and animate their objects into the world through AR. AR Makr allows students to focus on creativity while gaining digital skills. As it is a creativity app it is simple for English as an Additional Dialect/Language (EAL/D) students as it focuses on creating the item. The app allows students to take charge and develop a unique understanding of how the world around them works.
Figure 1: Innovate to Educate (2021, Nov 2) Mastering the App (AR Makr) [Video]. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrS21R15l_o&t=1s
Figure 2: MissSmith_24. (2025, April 15). [Just wrapped up a successful digital space topic with Year 5. They used Procreate to draw the planets and solar system] [Tweet]. X. https://x.com/MissSmith_24/status/1847151721765872126.
One way AR Makr can be used in the classroom is in a Year 4 Science class. AR Makr can be aligned with the syllabus outcome ST2-SCI-01, which refers to an investigation of the Solar System. Students can create and design the planets and use the app to investigate what the solar system looks like. Completing an activity like this allows students to grasp the size, colour and layout of planets. It allows students to develop their creativity and digital skills which will support them in the future. The Australian Curriculum states that students should develop knowledge and skills surrounding ICT which AR Makr supports. On the left, there is an example of AR Makr being used for a similar instance.
Syllabus:
ST2-SCI-01 uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems
Figure 3: AR Critic (2019, Jan 29) AR Makr - Draw, Place 3D Objects & Create Short Story AR Videos (iOS) [Video]. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrS21R15l_o&t=1s
Overall AR Makr is an amazing app that supports students in learning through Augmented Reality. The app is free to download and simple to use. The main downside is it is only available on iPads. It provides a way for students to express themselves creatively while still learning, and using digital content in the physical world. It allows users to create their sketches and designs to share. AR Makr can be used in many scenarios as it visually showcases what is being made.
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AR Critic (2019, Jan 29) AR Makr - Draw, Place 3D Objects & Create Short Story AR Videos (iOS) [Video]. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrS21R15l_o&t=1s
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (n.d.). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability. Australian Curriculum. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/
Innovate to Educate (2021, Nov 2) Mastering the App (AR Makr) [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrS21R15l_o&t=1s
MissSmith_24. (2025, April 15). [Just wrapped up a successful digital space topic with Year 5. They used Procreate to draw the planets and solar system] [Tweet]. X. https://x.com/MissSmith_24/status/1847151721765872126.
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2024). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–6 (2024): Outcomes. NSW
Curriculum. https://curriculum.nsw.edu.au/learning-areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-6-2024/outcomes
van Laar, E., van Deursen, A. J. A. M., van Dijk, J. A. G. M., & de Haan, J. (2017). The relation between 21st-century skills and digital skills: A systematic literature review. Computers in Human Behavior, 72, 577–588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.010
Watts, S. (2024, December 20). Augmented vs. Virtual Reality: Comparing AR/VR. Splunk. https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/learn/ar-vr.html