Introduction

The technological development have made a huge impact in our life style. Augmented Reality being one of the most discussed topic, has grabbed a lot of attention due to its huge potential in the future. Its ability to extend the real world with additional computer generated information has a wide range of application in many fields and one of them is “Education”. AR is a technology which enables us to view computer manipulated graphics in real-time blended with real environment to make the illusion of virtual reality. It adds an extra sense that help us to get additional ideas about the environment other than what we see and hear with our sensory organs.

"Augmented reality adds information and meaning to a real object or place. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality does not create a simulation of reality. Instead, it takes a real object or space as the foundation and incorporates technologies that add contextual data to deepen a person’s understanding of it."

The rapid development of AR technology is something to look for in the future and have definitely provided a huge motivation for initiating this project. AR has many applications that can benefit public and be interesting at the same time.

Overview

Augmented Reality (AR) is a variant of Virtual Reality (VR) and people often get confused with the two terminologies. VR is a technology which completely immerses a user in artificial environment. When immersed, the user is not in contact with the real world and thus cannot see the surrounding. In contrast to that fact, AR allows user to see the real world on which additional information is overlaid on.

Mobile AR

With the advancement of mobile phone specifications, its abilities have been a boon for the proliferation of AR technology. The smartphones which are the next portable super computers and AR are indeed ideal match for the next big technological overhaul.In fact, the revolution has already started with big companies like IBM, Google investing millions of dollars on it.

Types of Augmented Reality

a) Marker-less AR

Marker-less AR uses image recognition or location information from the device to identify the environment. It is more interactive than marker-based augmentation.

b) Marker Based AR

Markers are images which can be identified by a camera. It is a focal point on which virtual objects are later placed in the scene. Marker-based AR detects the marker which is later manipulated by overlaying the additional information to the user. Simplest type of AR markers are black and white images consisting of 2D barcodes.

Augmented Reality in Education

Education system is evolving with the advancement of new technologies. From blackboards to projector presentations, teaching and learning practices have changed due time. Such presentation helped student to grasp ideas about the subject matter. “Educational resources are emphasized by Augmented Reality systems and can be used to re-create historical events, activate regular books into 3D images, or even present structures of the galaxy; all superimposed in real-time.” Augmented reality is the extension of such presentations which allows students to visualize the concepts through effective use of engaging audio-visual medias embedded in real-time environment rather than in a two dimensional plane. This technology is even more suited to the present generation of students who are encouraged to use new gadgets like iPhone, iPad, android devices as a part of their education process. Development of such AR applications will not only help learners to grasp core ideas of the syllabus but make it more appealing and interesting so that the learning process becomes instinctive. Moreover, they can also interact with the virtual environment which makes understanding of hard concepts persistent.

Some of the existing AR applications

a) Elements4D

Elements4D is an application developed by DAQRI. It consists of six wooden (or printed) cubes which come to life with the 4D application. When a user beams the app’s camera to the cubes, they transform into 4D representations and helps the user to explore chemical elements in a fun way while learning concepts of chemistry. Not only can the user learn about each element, its state, physical and chemical properties in an interactive way, but each elements trigger interaction when other cube is placed near to it.

b) Spacecraft3D

Spacecraft 3D is an application available in Apple’s Appstore which is produced by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for utilizing augmented reality to bring NASA spacecraft into life. Students can download the application, print the specific target images and view the target images using the application to load the spacecraft. The application displays a full 3D view of the spacecraft used to explore our solar system, study earth, and observe the universe. Users can get up close with these robotic explorers, see how they move and learn about the engineering feats for better understanding of science and space. New spacecraft are updated regularly to ensure the users get the latest knowledge.

c) Guinness World Record 2014

This application is available in the Google Play store. This application is developed by Guinness World Record Foundation. It allows users to view the contents of the book in full 3D. Readers can access a new dimension of record-breaking with this free AR app available to the public. Using this app users can see:

> World’s shortest woman displayed in actual size.

>Interactive largest ever dinosaur

>View from the top of Mount Everest in virtual reality

>Videos of the world records, etc.