Journal 3 - Abracadabra

"Abracadabra - It's Augmented Reality", by Raphael Raphael, highlights the new ways technology is becoming integrated in the classroom.  Augmented Reality, or AR, "[adds] layers of information on the real world, usually in real time".  With the advancement of technology, especially "with the rise of touch and gestural interfaces", educators are exploring ways to capture the magic of these tools to enhance learning for students.  The Getty, for example, combines a real life picture, the internet and a webcam to create an interactive model of a 17th Century Cabinet of Curiosities.  Augmented Reality tools, such as Zooburst, also promote creativity for students as they create their own interactive versions of, what used to be, static stories.  With the growth of mobile applications, AR can drastically affect the way we interact with our world.

Why is it important to introduce AR into the classroom?
The classroom provides an experience that prepares students for understanding the world.  As the world constantly evolves, especially with the growth of technology, teachers need evolve as well.  The methods of learning have changed drastically from simple print media.  Information is no longer static.  Augmented Reality offers students a new way to access information and enriches the depth of learning.

What are some of the challenges and obstacles for AR integration?
Augmented Reality is obviously technology heavy.  Therefore, schools may not have the funding to integrate the right tools to utilize AR.  Teachers would also need proper training in order to effectively introduce AR to their students, who are sometimes even more familiar with technology tools than their teachers.  Part of teaching through AR would involve a whole new style of learning, focusing on how to navigate through applications and the internet to prevent students from being bombarded with the massive wave of information available.  However, these obstacles have always been present with any type of evolution in technology.  It is what makes it so fascinating and so magical.

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra - it's augmented reality!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

Paton, David (Composer). (1974). Magic [Recorded by Pilot]. [Medium of recording: Record]