Augmented Reality with Aurasma

Augmented reality (AR) is the next step beyond QR Codes. With AR you create "targets" or "triggers" in the real world. When someone scans the real world with their device and hits a trigger, the live view is augmented by stored digital content called an overlay. This content could be a video, image, or sound file. AR is being used in museums, tourist attractions, and, of course, advertising. In the case of a museum, a patron can scan a statue and a video will open on the phone describing the history and importance of the statue. While the video is playing the patron can still see the statue. 

The application of AR for teaching an learning is in its early days. As it progresses more and more ideas of how to use AR will come out. Beyond simple identification and information pieces, AR could be used throughout the assessment, learning, and discovery processes. As always, I would like to see students using AR to create their own triggers and auras. How about having the students research a field trip site prior to going their and making the establishment of triggers and linking of auras to the actual location one of the goals of the field trip? 

One of the apps that can be used to create AR is Aurasma. Aurasma has two "parts", if you will. There is an app that is free and has iOS and Android versions. The app is for use on a smart phone and allows you to "scan" for triggers using the devices camera. In the non-commercial version of the app you are limited to creating triggers and overlays that you can view. However, on your chromebook, PC, or MAC you can use the free online Aurasma Studio to create and share your triggers with others. One important note is that in the non-commercial version other people's triggers will only work if you are following them. You can follow people through the Aurasma Studio interface. You do need to sign up for an account to make all this work, but accounts are free for non-commercial users. 

Aurasma Studio

The possibilities provided by AR are mind-boggling. Aurasma has some great examples on their site. This really is a technology you need to play with and discover ways to reach those learning objectives. What I really like about it is the way it links technology directly to the environment.