Imagine the possibility of crafting an artificial environment that seamlessly integrates digital information with the user's real-time surroundings. This is precisely what augmented reality (AR) enables us to achieve!
Have you started teaching augmented reality yet?
While teaching augmented reality (AR) may be a relatively fresh concept for some in the education sector, including myself until recently, OCR has taken the lead by integrating augmented reality into one of their Level 2 qualifications. Launched in September 2022, the Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 IT qualification features a mandatory unit in which students must design, develop, test, and evaluate their own prototype AR product.
Are you delivering the OCR Cambridge Nationals in IT qualification?
If you are – look no further! We have a 2-day residential which will support you with developing your very own AR products, underpinned by the knowledge required to deliver the OCR Cambridge Nationals in IT qualification.
What is augmented reality?
I’ve often heard the terms augmented and virtual reality used interchangeably, which of course would be incorrect given they’re two different forms of technology.
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Augmented reality (AR) is the real-life use of digital information, such as text, graphics, audio etc. integrated with real world objects.
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Virtual reality (VR) creates an immersive virtual environment, replacing the real world with a fictional reality, which is why VR is so useful for gaming.
Generally, users of virtual reality will require a headset to create the virtual environment, whilst users of augmented reality can simply use their smartphone, tablet etc to interact with their real-life surroundings.
Augmented reality - a rapidly growing industry
The augmented reality industry is growing, the UK government anticipated there would be a 78.3% growth rate for spending on AR and VR between 2019 and 2024, with growth predicted to reach £62.5 billion by 2030. AR is exciting, innovative and holds so much potential for the young people we currently teach. With this growing market, it’s paramount we offer our students the opportunity to learn more about this technology.
Where is augmented reality used?
You’ve probably interacted with AR technology on a regular basis and not realised. Here are a few examples:
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IKEA Place app - this app allows you to use your smartphone to place IKEA furniture into your living space, allowing you to visualise what the object will look like before purchasing it.
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Snapchat “Dress up” - a new feature within the popular social media platform which allows users to virtually try on clothing.
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Education - AR can be used across many different subjects, from science to geography. Many different apps have now been developed to help bring learning to life. For example, the app below is used to help students identify different parts of the human anatomy.
Support from STEM Learning
This summer, STEM Learning will be hosting a 2-day residential course for teachers looking at how to plan, develop, test and evaluate a working AR prototype product. Over the 2 days you’ll go deep into understanding AR and why it exists, the different types of AR, how to plan and develop your own working prototype, test and evaluate your working model. You’ll also explore the ethics and legal aspects of using AR.