Immersive technologies can add layers of powerful impact on learning. Augmented, virtual and mixed reality has the power to astound and engage learners in unique ways.
AR (Augmented reality) is a simple concept. is a technology that overlays computer-generated images onto the user’s view of the world it can be a 3D model, video, sound or image (sometimes a combination)
Augmented reality is something you may already interact with and not know about it, be it making your nose into a dog’s nose using an AR face mask in Snapchat, hunting Pokémon down your street or using an app to see if an Ikea sofa can fit into you front room Ar is all around you.
Augmented Reality in education allows students to interact with objects and concepts that they could never do without the aid of technology. Though it might be a buzz term in education circles, don’t assume that AR is just another fad. After all, profound learning occurs when students create, share, interact and explain by working with the environment around them.
LGfL has been at the forefront of using AR and has partnered with AR experts to make meaningful experiences and we work closely with the experts at Discovery Education and Avantis to bring the latest Augmented and Virtual Reality content and content management to LGfL schools. The aim is to help support the effective delivery of the curriculum through unique, engaging, interactive and affordable immersive AR/VR experiences
At the heart of the LGfL AR and VR content portfolio is the award-winning partnerships between Discovery Education (Previously) Inspyro and LGfL
Here is what Phil Birchinall from Discovery Education speaking about Augmented reality in education:
“We know that pupils react well to augmented and virtual reality stimuli. It creates a moment that they will remember. So, if that moment is structured within robust learning resources, that cognitive trigger and memory become associated with the subject or learning. We’ve learned a lot during our partnership with LGfL and have seen how pupils absorb and relate to this technology and how it can accelerate and deepen learning.”
All the AR content we have spoken about in this blog post so far is about students being consumers of the AR content, I believe the next step of using Augmented Reality is for students to become creators rather than consumers I believe that Students that have to opportunity to explore how technology works will development a deeper creative capacity and technical literacy and will be more prepared for the future.
Letting students control their learning content can offer deeper engagement, and the development of critical, and creative skills are considered to be positive outcomes of allowing students to take control of their own learning.
Until recently the creation of immersive resources using AR and VR was too complicated, expensive and time consuming for teachers and pupils to be able to engage with on a practical everyday level. Now with the introduction of Adobe Aero (part of the Adobe Creative Cloud), it is possible to incorporate such technology at the individual pupil and teacher level and apply it across the Primary and Secondary Curriculum
With Adobe Aero is taking a step forward in democratizing the creation of multi-sensory augmented reality.
Adobe Aero doesn’t require any knowledge of coding – it has an easy to use interface with step-by-step instructions will take you through creating your first AR scene. Use your hands and your device to place objects in space, shape their paths, and add triggers so viewers can interact with your objects. With hundreds of free starter assets available right in the app, plus the ability to import a broad set of 2D and 3D file formats and you can release your project into the world by sharing it directly on social or sending the experience to others via the Adobe Aero app.
Not only do you have a range of attributes already within the Adobe Aero app, but you can use Adobe Aero to bring to life various LGfL resources to life as well!
Adobe Aero builds augmented reality experiences using transparent layers that can be created in various ways, in the video below you can see just how easy it is to do.
You can use Photoshop (another great piece of software you have as part of you let’s get digital subscription)If you have Apple hardware then you have Keynote found on all Apple products or you can use jit5 Paint a tool found in the just2easy tool suite with this tool you can either use clipart, the inbuilt internet search function to find and create PNG layers or if you feel even more creative you can draw your own images.
There are various assets found in LGfL that you can use to create AR experiences here are just a few ideas:
AR Fairy tales: Use the images found in the resources section of SEND Fairy Tales and using one of the methods above to create PNG layers drop the images into the environment and get your students to retell the story or how about using Early Shakespeare to recreate the story?
How about getting your students to create a virtual museum using assists from our history resources? or create a virtual environment using assists from Polar?
Or a Virtual rocket launch using assists from Space Adventures? With the latest updates to Adobe Aero you can now add sound files, so don't forget you can find audio files in Audio Network or sound effects in BBCSFX, this video uses a NASA countdown.
For more inspiration on how to use Adobe Aero have a look at the official Adobe Aero Instagram page where they showcase the work of designer and artists such as Don Allen III in his clear mirror series, and Naima Almeida, whose playful scenes created in her home with Aero are putting a smile on many people’s faces during a challenging time.
Want to know more about AR? have a look at LGfL TV, where we showcase the latest thinking in the role of AR and VR to help to improve outcomes for learners. The channel offers video content featuring the experts from Discovery Education that make the award-winning LGfL content and shares their insights and experiences of leading the innovative developments for the school’s market in the UK.
Remember, if you need any support with our learning content you can contact the Inspire Team by emailing contentsupport@lgfl.net or contact the LGfL Switchboard: 020 82 555 555. Also, visit coronavirus.lgfl.net which is continually updated with advice and support during the partial school closures.
If you do use any LGfL content in your school to inspire your students do let us know by posting them on LGfL’s Twitter or Facebook.