Complementing the face-to-face classroom, learning now incorporates numerous elements of technology enhanced learning. For example, virtual learning environments(VLEs), distance learning platforms or engaging with reusable... [ view full abstract ]
Complementing the face-to-face classroom, learning now incorporates numerous elements of technology enhanced learning. For example, virtual learning environments(VLEs), distance learning platforms or engaging with reusable learning objects online are now considered ‘places’ of learning. With the immersion of technology in education, the incorporation of multimedia resources to complement lecture theory/practical applications is increasingly evident. Examples of these multimedia resources are pre-existing online, or customised electronic sketch, videos. With educators’ best intentions, students are provided with supplementary video resources via an array of platforms that can include VLEs, e-mailed hyperlinks, digital bookmark collators, YouTube channels, amongst others. While aimed at benefiting learning, this approach can add a layer of super-complexity - potentially impacting it.
Students attend lectures with pre-printed paper copies of class slides, which represent the primary material for study, learning and exam preparation. The concern when sharing supplementary video resources is they become separated from the relevant lecture notes/handouts. This physical disconnect represents a potential block to learning as efforts are required to locate a specific e-mail, access the VLE topic, find a particular YouTube channel, to view the resource. Hence, there is a critical need to directly link the paper handouts, which students have in front of them, to the specific complementary video resources - allowing deep-learning of topics at the appropriate time/section of their course notes.
Augmented Reality(AR) addresses this concern. Through activation via ‘trigger’ images placed in a printed handout, students can engage with specific multimedia content in real-time, at the appropriate time/section of their course. This approach connects learning resources, empower students and benefits revision and self-paced learning. Here, the role, benefits and challenges of introducing AR to empower students and the steps required to introduce AR, will be presented.
Keywords: augmented reality, reusable learning object; aurasma, quick response code.
