What are some things to consider for a successful use of Augmented Reality (AR) in Education?
Although the use of Augmented Reality (AR) can be helpful in education, there are some challenges educators should consider in implementing them.
Most AR applications and tools require special hardware equipment or, to the minimum, a mobile device. In addition, the application often requires subscriptions or one-time costs for use. Several tools offer free trials for a certain period yet are very restricted. Most schools and students may limit access to these tools and devices, preventing them from using AR and potentially creating disparities in the learning experience. In addition, educators must also think about digital equity and students' digital literacy skills for equal access.
Educators must consider the quality of the content when incorporating them into the lessons. They must remember that the applications enhance learning experiences, not for simple entertainment, with new gadgets. They are encouraged to use guidelines, such as the SAMR framework or SECTIONS model, to assess and analyze educational technology to select the most appropriate tool. After the selection, they should carefully plan in detail with the educational goal and relevance of the learning content for successful implementation. If this process is not considered precisely, the tools can become a distraction and lose the learning focus.
Another main concern with AR, like any other technology, is the privacy and security issues. Most tools may collect user data for various reasons, and teachers must ensure that student personal information is secured and protected. In addition, different school districts may restrict the usage of specific applications for similar reasons.