Augmented Reality Apps
- Devin Heller
- Feb 19, 2019
- 4 min read
What do you want in an app?
While designing my research project I was well aware that finding resources to incorporate Augmented Reality in math would be somewhat troublesome. Since AR is a relatively new technology many of the apps are still in the stages of development, and not a true representation of what is to come of this technology tool. My thoughts are that by incorporating AR in the math classroom effectively, students will be more engaged in the content, and leave the classroom with a deeper understanding of geometric concepts. Before selecting apps that might work, I had to do some exploring. I'm looking for apps that align to what I am teaching (grade specific), apps that have a relative ease of use, as well as apps that are pedagogically sound. These three specifications were pulled from the Great App Checklist. It wasn't necessarily hard to find an app that met one of thee three criteria, but finding an app that met all three was near impossible.
Below are four of the more popular Augmented Reality Applications used in education today (not all math related) with a small blurb about each, its uses, and implications. I have worked with some, not all of the apps below, but would definitely like to give all of them a try at some point, depending on how it may relate to your content.
The Merge Cube is a holographic toy that allows users to physically hold and interact with 3D objects using augmented reality (AR) technology. Although you need goggles to interact with the cube (for full AR experience) the cube offers quite the variety of applications: hands-on holographic anatomy lessons, holographic mini-games, an interactive solar system, and a digital world where students can mine and build things (similar to Minecraft). The cube is something I have not yet used because I do not have one, but would be willing to give it a try if. More information can be found on MergeVR.
of my favorite AR applications due to its ease of use and versatility. Aurasma allows you to set an image or a target (also known as an aura) that when scanned has an overlay pop out at you! Aurasma benefits from the ability to create an Aura of anything you chose, and add overlays including pictures, videos, and 3D expeditions. Aurasma can be used in a variety of ways depending on how you see it fit to your lesson/curriculum. As a 6th grade teacher, I have even had my
Star Walk - Allows you to explore the night sky and see the thousands of celestial bodies above us. This app is a real-time astro guide to help you learn and explore space. Star Walk is something I have seen before because friends of mine who have an interest in space have shown me some of its features. Although this app is great, it won't apply to me and my AR math unit. A science teacher could easily fall in love with this app, and find it very useful when talking about space, as well as constellations.
Geogebra AR - Geogebra is a great mathematical resource for online learning and digital manipulatives. They recently created an AR Math-specific application that allow students to explore the coordinate graph on a 3D, plane directly in front of you. It also allows you to move and manipulate shapes as an overlay. Geogebra AR includes 7 mathematical tasks involving geometry topics of their choice, which is great but does not allow me to use to app for our specific topic of volume and surface area. I personally liked the activity when you had to screen shot certain 3D shapes based on a description they gave you. Although the idea of this application is great, and the 7 activities are very interesting and engaging, this application won't help us on our adventure to see if AR leads to increased engagement and deeper learning.
This is an application I would like to explore further to see if I could potentially use it for the future, until then I will just hope that Desmos comes out with AR activities.
Final Thoughts
Augmented reality applications are still on the rise. Continuous improvements will be made to make a powerful tool even more powerful and realistic. As of right now many of the applications are geared at a younger, elementary audience for a mere engagement factor, such as Coloring with augmented reality and AR children's books the Techie Teacher talks about here. The other problem I encountered with most of the AR apps is that they are made for a specific content, topic, or focus. While my content topic and focus is volume and surface area of 3D shapes, I have to find applications that relate directly. Apps like Arasma are favorable because I can incorporate it with my own personal twist.
This is why Aurasma is my breadwinner. This application is engaging, it is very easy to use, and I am able to apply it to any problem or situation imaginable. Although the app does have some issues here and there (error messages randomly), I truly believe when used correctly, can enhance student learning of geometric concepts at a deeper level.
"Merge Cube Logo" from MergeVRsupport
"HP Reveal Logo" from Aurasma.com
"Star Walk Logo" from AppAdvice
"Geogebra AR Logo" from Apple iTunes
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