Augmented reality could rule the classrooms of the future

We are all familiar with traditional classroom teaching methods from the years we spent in school. Information is presented by a teacher using blackboards, overhead projectors, Powerpoint or other software programs, textbooks, charts, videos and so forth. Of course, there are quizzes, tests, and sometimes breakouts into smaller groups for exercises. If you are of a certain age, you probably well recall ‘film strips’ and overhead projectors using clear plastic sheets with diagrams, drawings or facts on them.

AR technology has advanced greatly from those old learning aids. Today’s children and youth are very tech savvy and easily use tablets, laptops, and smartphones to access the Internet, play games and consume media. Many modern kids are more adept at using various forms of technology than their parents or grandparents.

In fact, there’s so much technology that there is sometimes heated debate about whether it’s having a negative impact on children and youth in terms of them having too much screen time and therefore spending far too much time sitting which is bad for physical and mental health. They also may not go outdoors enough or interact less in peer groups because overusing technology can be socially isolating.

However, some computer-based AR apps and games have demonstrated learning benefits as well.