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Augmented Reality
Alex Rojas, Selene Estrada, Jordan Robisheaux
CUIN 3313
University of Houston
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The possibility of learning about a new subject through augmented reality was seen out of

a science fiction film. In the real world, augmented reality is proving to be an efficient and fun

way individuals are able to learn new subjects. Augmented reality creates a new, dynamic

learning environment. The result of this new learning environment are the combination of

information, sounds, images, and text on the world we see. One of the biggest break through of

virtual reality had to be the very popular game Pokemon Go. In this game individuals are able to

to capture the fictional characters known as pokemon all over the city. This game offered a lot of

fun and interaction with others. In this essay I will discuss how augmented reality is changing the

way individuals are learning new subjects and how it is being used for more than recreational

purposes. Museums and classrooms are developing new techniques that incorporate augmented

reality. Students will be excited and eager to learn with augmented reality. While teachers can

incorporate new techniques to help students better understand lessons.

The biggest difference between augmented reality and virtual reality is augmented reality

adds to the reality while virtual reality is a computer generated environment. In virtual reality the

user interacts in a virtual world. Very popular examples of virtual reality are video games and

computer generated training sessions. Augmented reality is not a new technology to the world.

For example the heads-up displays in many fighter aircraft as far back as the 1990s would show

information about the attitude,direction, and speed of the plane (LiveScience). The heads up

display is an excellent example of augmented reality. In today's era we are starting to see the

heads up display show up in many of the high end cars such as BMW, Mercedes , and Jaguar.

This technology is very popular because it adds a hint of futuristic to any individual. In same

way another giant company who tried to introduce augmented reality to the world was Google

with their Google glass in 2013. The introduction of Google glass was very big because
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individuals would be able to use the lenses to read texts and search the web. A small projector

located in one of the lenses would display the information to the use. Augmented reality is an

amazing technology that big companies want the whole world to experience.

One way in which augmented reality is being used for educational purposes is by

museums. Museums are starting to use the technology to bring its public the chance to interact

with dolphins and other creatures. In addition museums are using augmented reality to add

narration to the exhibits. This is a great way that augmented reality can enhance the learning

experience for the viewers. In some museums the sculptures and art pieces have a 3D image of

the painter who explains more about the masterpiece. For example in the National Museum of

Singapore they have an exhibit called the “Story of the Forest”. In this exhibit the public has the

chance to “ … use an app, combined with the camera function on their phones, to hunt for and

capture various plants and animals within the drawings”(Billock). This an amazing experience

any individual would like to experience. The visitors of the museum are able to learn about the

biome and the animals and plants within it. Augmented reality is adding many benefits to the

way museums are showcasing their exhibits.

In the same way augmented reality is redefining education in the creation of applications

for smartphones. Trying to teach someone a subject can be very difficult. The content can be

interesting but, if the method being used is boring then most likely the material will not be

learned. In this era everyone has used or has a smartphone. With applications that use augmented

reality there is a higher chance the material being taught will be learned in an efficient way. For

example “AR learning provides a gamified approach towards learning; which makes the lessons

fun”(Paresh Sagar). The truth is augmented reality makes learning easy and fun. Any individual
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enrolled school can appreciate augmented reality. The experience is fun and interactive and lets

the user learn in a new reality.

According to NewGenApps blog (Manager, n.d.) there are 6 ways to use augmented

reality in the classroom. For teachers augmented reality will be beneficial by helping them with

premade resources. Teachers will have to spend less time lesson planning and will have more

time focused on the material. Some companies are even looking into working with AR codes for

textbooks. The second way to use augmented reality is by customizing it. You can customize it

to fit whatever textbook or graphic you would like. From there you can point your tablet or

phone to experience the material as it is in real life. Third is AR enabled worksheets. This allows

students to work on homework and makes the process easier. Another creative way is to make a

photo wall in your classroom. Whether it be pictures of students, learning material for the week,

or interesting facts. Printed out colored 3D images are also a fun way to bring the fun to life!

Companies such as Disney and the Quiver Education App have developed ways to make

coloring pages come to life. Lastly, learning about laboratory safety is also a great way students

can scan through and learn about the safety with sciences.

With new and exciting learning opportunities there will always be a few challenges. “For

example, students in AR environments may be cognitively overloaded by the large amount of

information they encounter, the multiple technological devices they are required to use, and the

complex tasks they have to complete” (Wu H.-K.). Even though AR will help educators with

their teachings, right now it is not something that everyone is able to use or even afford.

In conclusion, augmented reality is redefining how individuals are able to learn.

Augmented reality is becoming more popular than ever. We are able to see this type of

technology in cars and in games for smartphones. Yet augmented reality has started to gain
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attention from an education perspective. Educators are starting to realize how augmented reality

can add excitement and offer a completely new experience. With augmented reality the user will

be able to immerse themselves in a world where they will be able to acquire knowledge without

leaving their own reality.

Works Cited
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Billock, J. (2017, June 29). Five Augmented Reality Experiences That Bring Museum Exhibits

to Life. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/expanding-exhibits-

augmented-reality-180963810/

Emspak, J. (2018, May 31). What is Augmented Reality? Retrieved from

https://www.livescience.com/34843-augmented-reality.html

Manager, W. (n.d.). 6 Amazing Ways to use Augmented Reality in the Classroom. Retrieved

from https://www.newgenapps.com/blog/6-amazing-ways-to-use-augmented-reality-in-the-

classroom

Sagar, P. (2018, December 14). The Impact Of Augmented Reality In Education. Retrieved

from https://elearningindustry.com/augmented-reality-in-education-impact/amp

Wu H.-K., Lee S.W.-Y., Chang H.-Y., Liang J.-C. (2013) Computers and Education, 62 , pp.

41-49. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131512002527