What is it?
Augmented reality adds information and meaning to a real object or place.It is the product of improvised digital elements and superimpose graphics,audio and other sensory enhancement, instead of creating a virtual surrounding inside a machine,it can be shown right in front of your eyes through an object and specialised equipment where you can interact with it. AR is not just a companion text or multimedia file but a technology designed to “see” a real object or place and provide the user with appropriate information at the right time. Augmented reality is designed to blur the line between the reality the user is experiencing and the content provided by technology.
What can it do?
AR can add graphics, sounds, haptic feedback and smell.
Who's doing it?
It is used in a number of fields:
- Business ( Marketing for cars, Business cards, )
- Medical imaging ( access data about patients)
- Training (simulations for pilots to control air crafts)
- Education ( teaching and learning
How does it works?
It requires a headgear or a similar device that projects data into the user's field of vision, corresponding with a real object or space.
- Examples of AR display devices are mobile phone , head mounted display ( glasses or visor ), web camera
How to make it work?
1. A 3D design should be created with CAD. (Or just browse to any websites regarding AR)
2. A unique barcode should be generated. Assign the 3D model to the barcode.
3. Use a webcam or smartphones to view the barcode.
Why is it significant?
In future, humans would be interacting with each other through virtual projections. Instead of viewing each other through web cameras, we are able to see each other holistically as if he or she was right in front of our eyes.
So in order to have such advanced futuristic life, AR is one of the most important part which we could not ignore.The significant was shown in our present life because without the it, we would not be able to have P.D.A, Smart phones, Navigation tools, Scanners and etc.
Information can also come from students themselves, and not being spoon fed. For example, students in an archeology class might use an augmented reality system to capture their thoughts or impressions when working with artifacts. That content can then be made available to others during lab sessions, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of the subject matter and a richer learning experience.
AR makes higher education and specialized content more accessible to the general public, transporting lessons from the campus to the community.
What are the implications for teaching and learning?
It allows learners to access immediately to a wide range of various information from different sources.Besides that, it allows viewers to gain information more precisely in terms of sounds,views and details such as colour because we are allowed to interact with it. The students can create new knowledge by enhancing the utilities and environment as to do more research instead of accepting and depending on the current knowledge.
What are the disadvantages?
It requires really specific or customized hardwares, and the mechanisms that correlate data added by technology with the real world to run it.
It is often technically complex. Therefore, it uses up a lot of energy and also resources to create such machines. The projects can be expensive to be developed and maintained. Activities should be make sure that there are educational merit and that students do not become infatuated with the technology alone.
References :
Augmented Reality Vs. Virtual Reality (VR). AR does not create a simulation of reality while VR does create a simulation of reality. AR takes something which is a real object or space as a foundation and incorporates technologies that added to it.
