The amount, form and location of information that is accessible is quickly expanding. Going even further, the ability to overlap additional levels of information on top of what we naturally perceive is not only like science fiction brought to life, but it is readily purchasable in the form of Augmented Reality hardware and software. With apps such as Accrossair, one simply needs to lift his smart phone to see, in real time, locations and distances. If the thought of unlocking your phone and lifting it up is too much for you, then look no further as Google has you covered. With the advent of Google Glass, mapping information can be displayed at anytime in front of you.
Opportunity Statement
With the amount and speed of data recognition constantly increasing, Augmented Reality provides the possibility for learners to see the natural world around them while also experiencing many typically unseen layers. As mobile technology floods into the field of education, not to mention many other domains, the opportunity to add and then decipher tiers of data is allowing learners the choice to access it when needed.
Prediction Source
13 Trends in 2013: #8 Rise of Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality and Education: Applications and Potentials
After having used different AR apps and seeing what Google glass was capable of, I have been imagining what this could do in so many different fields, particularly education and assistive technology. I find this to be an exciting area!
I agree that the potential for Augmented Reality is limitless. Google glass in particular lets us see (no pun intended) how there might be a massive and dynamic shift in how students and teachers use technology in the classroom and in various educational situations in the next few years. As the use of computer labs slowly winds down and students are using one-to-one laptop computers as well as their own devices (smartphones, ipods, etc), the next wave of technology use in the classroom will be wearable. As the technology of Google glass continues to improve and as the price comes down, as well as the number of related apps increases we will see more and more school districts using these technologies. Wearable technology and Augmented Reality will be a tool used by students to enhance their learning, It’s just around the corner.
I agree with the two of you that the potential for learning and education is quite high, but as with all new technology, it may come with some drawbacks. Take for example the iphone app that lets people see star constellations in the night sky. The possibilities are limitless for learning such as helping students map night skies, understanding mythologies etc. But the augmented reality also could also take away a student’s ability to look up at the sky and recognize constellations without the aid of a device. It can also create the potential for more distractions both in and out of the classroom. In a recent study students who were allowed to use tablets, smartphones and laptops in the classroom, did not perform as well as students who had to use plain old fashioned notebooks. Causes maybe due to the fact that learners using tech were easily distracted as they were “multitasking” using facebook, pinterest and other media tools while learning in class. I believe that it all comes down to ID, and how the tech will be integrated into the classroom.