GOOGLE GLASS for Educators
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality (AR) is the ability to insert and/or overlay digital information into the real world. Computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics, or GPS data can be used to create gaming environments, take virtual field trips, or enhance every day tasks. It can ease activities such as travelling, shopping, or searching real estate listings.
Augmented Reality & Google Glass
Google glass was not intended for augmented reality use, but over the past two years third-party developers have developed applications that take advantage of the glass's potential. With research suggesting that AR users will increase from 60 million to 200 million over the next five years - AR has become the central focus of many program developers. This year, the Google Play store saw the launch of several AR-based applications with the potential to transform the ways we go about our daily lives. Check out a couple of the most notable applications below:
Augmented Reality in the Classroom
Since AR technology is a developing feature, there are no education-based AR applications. However, several of the applications in the Google Play store - including Wikitude and Layar - allow for teachers to bring AR capabilities into their classroom. Below are some ideas for how to integrate AR capabilities in a way that enhances the traditional classroom experience.
References
Arthur, C. (21 March 2010). Augmented reality: it’s like real life, but better. The Guardian. Retrieved: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising
Feltman, R. (26 February 2014). True augmented reality is coming to Google Glass – along with ads. Quartz. Retrieved: http://qz.com/181278/blippar-augmented-reality-is-coming-to-google-glass-along-with-ads/
Kaufman, M. (30 July 2014). Augmented Reality – Facebook, Google Get On Board. Bidness Etc. Retrieved: http://www.bidnessetc.com/business/augmented-reality-facebook-google-get-on-board/
Madrigal, A. C. (25 October 2012). The World is Not Enough: Google and the Future of Augmented Reality. The Atlantic. Retrieved: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2012/10/the-world-is-not-enough-google-and-the-future-of-augmented-reality/264059/
May, K.T. (6 May 2013). A virtual field trip to CERN, via Google Glass. TedBlog. Retrieved: http://blog.ted.com/2013/05/06/a-virtual-field-trip-to-cern-via-google-glass/
Sterling, B. (20 March 2014). Augmented Reality: Layar on Google Glass. Wired. Retrieved: http://www.wired.com/2014/03/augmented-reality-layar-google-glass/
Takahashi, D. (29 May 2014). Blippar launches a platform for augmented reality games on Google Glass (exclusive). Venture Beat. Retrieved: http://venturebeat.com/2014/05/29/blippar-launches-a-platform-for-augmented-reality-games-on-google-glass-exclusive/
Woods, B. (19 March 2014). Layar now wants to augment your reality with its Google Glass app. NextWeb. Retrieved: http://thenextweb.com/apps/2014/03/19/layar-now-wants-augment-reality-google-glass-app/
3D Models
Field Trips
Media Studies
Perfect for complimenting the Science & Technology curriculum, Google Glass allows teachers to bring 3D models into the classroom.
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Have students create their own renderings of the human body by looking at 3D models of organ systems.
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Allow students to engage in inquiry-based projects and explore how technology works. They can take apart 3D models of some of the newest and coolest forms of tech!
Developments in practical AR uses have come primarily from the media and advertising industries. The Layar application uses AR to seamlessly integrate movie trailers, price information, and advertisement campaigns into the casual reading experience.
Mobile map tools allow students to visualize terrain models, giving them a realistic view of the environment. Take students on a trip throughout the community and allow them to construct their own 3D maps through the vision of Google Glass. Several applications allow students to hone in on historical details and facts while exploring the environment around them.
With older students you might create teams of explorers who go out in the field and share their findings through a virtual field trip experience. This brings the outside, in!
Check out how one teacher took his class on a virtual field trip.
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Compare and contrast digital and print advertisement campaigns in real time. How do the messages differ? What techniques do companies use in each format? Is one more effective than the other?
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Compare news articles with news clips in real time. What sort of information is missing from the news clip? Why is this the case? How do print and video mediums different?