If a picture is worth a thousand words, an augmented reality experience might be worth ten thousand.
Augmented reality (AR) is a new technology that combines virtual reality with reality. Most of us are already familiar with virtual reality experiences, which are commonly accessed by wearing specially designed headgear or interacting with a computer that allows you to see into a different world. Augmented reality, on the other hand, does exactly the opposite – it brings the virtual world into our own reality.
How does it work?
Simply download some augmented reality software, and point your webcam or mobile device camera at a predesigned pattern that has been printed onto a piece of paper. The AR software will recognize the pattern and display text or 3D models on your screen, superimposed on your view of the printed pattern.
Watch the following video from The Franklin Institute to better understand what Augmented Reality is and how it works.
To learn about how Augmented Reality can be used in education, see 3 Ways to Use Augmented Reality for Learning.