Augmented reality (AR) is the integration of digital information with live video or the user's environment in real time. Basically, AR takes an existing picture and blends new information into it. One of the first commercial applications of AR technology is the yellow first down line in televised football games.
The key to augmented reality is the software. Augmented reality programs are written in special 3D augmented reality programs such as D'Fusion, Unifye Viewer or FLARToolKit. These programs allow the developer to tie animation or contextual digital information in the computer program to an augmented reality "marker" in the real world.
AURASMA
Aurasma is one of the most popular and cutting-edge technologies being used in schools around the world today. Enabling teachers to connect digital content such as video to images in books and classroom walls, Aurasma offers a uniquely inventive, fun, and holistic way of engaging students of all ages.
This post is designed for school teachers and covers all the relevant issues around using Aurasma in schools.
Aurasma allows users to engage in and create Augmented Reality experiences of their own. Educators and more importantly students can use this open source tool to essentially bring their learning to life. There are several different ways to use Aurasma in the classroom :
- Homework Mini-Lessons: When students scan a page of their homework, the page reveals a video of their teacher helping them solve a problem.
- Faculty Photo Wall: Set up a display of faculty photos near the school entrance. Visitors can scan the image of any instructor and see that figure come to life, telling more about him- or herself.
- Book Reviews: Students record themselves giving a brief review of a novel that they just finished, and then attach that "aura" (assigned digital information) to a book. Afterward, anyone can scan the cover of the book and instantly access the review.
- Word Walls: Students can record themselves providing the definitions to different vocabulary words on a word wall. Afterward, anyone can use the Aurasma app to make a peer pop up on screen, telling them the definition and using the word in a sentence.
- Yearbooks: From tributes to video profiles, from sports highlights to skits and concert footage, the ways that AR can enhance a school yearbook are limitless.
COLARMIX
Colar Mix turns simple coloring pages into 3D animated experiences and lets you teach kids about augmented reality. It allows students to colour in a flat design, then bring it to life using augmented reality on their iPad.ColAR Mix lets you actually engage and get creative with models. Pick one of the pre-drawn 2D templates created by the developer, colour it in either on paper or digitally on your computer screen, then just point the iPad camera at your finished design in the app and colAR Mix wraps your flat design around a 3D wireframe to trigger an animation, complete with your colourful scribblings. Kids will think it’s magic!
Look how it works !
AR FLASHCARDS
AR Flashcards make learning fun with the technology of Augmented Reality!
AR Flashcards are a new way to interact and make Flash cards more entertaining for toddlers and preschoolers. With AR Flashcards, learning is fun! When you point your device at the printed flashcard a beautifully rendered 3D animal will pop up on the screen. Tap the animal to hear the letter and animal name.
STRING
String is a free Augmented Reality app. Once the app is downloaded to your iPhone, iPod or iPad, you will need to print the "triggers" from the String website. String aims to provide developers with the "easiest-to-use and fastest augmented reality SDK on the market."
Sometimes to get a good view of the 3D Models it is sometimes necessary to use the camera's autofocus. Double tap on the screen to bring up the focus option.
Look how it works!
String is a free Augmented Reality app. Once the app is downloaded to your iPhone, iPod or iPad, you will need to print the "triggers" from the String website. String aims to provide developers with the "easiest-to-use and fastest augmented reality SDK on the market."
Look how it works!
