Study topics in the spatial domain: Augmented reality has been shown to help students master topics in the spatial domains including “geometrical shapes, chemical structures, mechanical machines, astronomy configurations, or spatial configuration of human organs (Radu, 2014, p. 1535).” For example, Instructors at the University of Calgary are using augmented reality to help medical students learn about the heart:
Post Secondary
Another example of supporting students’ exploration of the spatial domain is the augmented reality sandbox created the University of California Davis which allows users to create and manipulate topography maps which has been adopted by institutions around the world. Here’s a video about using the University of California, Los Angeles.
Learning a physical task: Many studies have shown that augmented reality training can help students learn to perform a physical task (Radu, 2014, 1535). Instructors at City University in London, England, are taking advantage of this benefit of augmented reality by using it to help Nursing students learn clinical skills
Support creativity: Augmented reality’s ability to support exploration and problem solving also makes it an excellent tool to support creativity (Bacca et. al, 2014, p. 1549.) For instance, The Augmented Reality Lab at York University is Part of the Faculty of Fine Arts supports the exploration of how augmented reality can be used in creative works. (“Augmented Reality”). Here is an example of a project at the lab in which the artist explores the use of an augmented reality performance space.
Provide information in context: Augmented reality can also help by allowing instructors to present information within the context of student experience (Santos et. al, p. 41, 2014). For example, The SCARLET – Augmented Reality in Special Collections (created by the University of Manchester with partners) allows users to employ their mobile devices to quickly access secondary information about a resource in special collections .Here’s a brief introductory video for users to the SCARLET program.
