Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Augmented Reality in Education: Current Status and Advancement of the Field

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Augmented Reality in Education

Part of the book series: Springer Series on Cultural Computing ((SSCC))

Abstract

Despite the substantial body of work and positive reported outcomes of AR (Augmented Reality) usage for education, researchers claim that compared to other digital technologies such as multimedia and web services for teaching and learning, research in AR is still at an early stage, with the majority of studies being short-term, one-time experiments with high variability in the effect size. AR-based applications targeting the educational sector are becoming ever more available with even low-cost smartphones supporting visualization of AR content. Regardless of the fact that the number of downloads of these applications exceeds millions, and assuming they are used in educational settings, we still lack longitudinal reports on how AR affects learning outcomes (compared to other technologies). This chapter looks at the current status of AR in education from different points of view: widely available technologies, types of AR learning experiences for education, capabilities for authoring AR, suitable audiences and topics, and the status of research of AR in education. The chapter summarizes each of these points of view and looks at the possibilities to advance the field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    Google Play store: Google Expeditions. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.vr.expeditions&hl=en.

  2. 2.

    Wikipedia. ARToolKit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARToolKit.

  3. 3.

    Apple ARKit. https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/arkit/.

  4. 4.

    Google ARCore. https://developers.google.com/ar/.

  5. 5.

    Google. Bring your lessons to life with Expeditions. https://edu.google.com/products/vr-ar/expeditions/.

  6. 6.

    Create WebXR. Augmented reality on the web. https://www.createwebxr.com/webAR.html.

  7. 7.

    Android developers. Distribution dashboard. https://developer.android.com/about/dashboards.

  8. 8.

    Apple store. Support: Apple Developer. https://developer.apple.com/support/app-store/.

  9. 9.

    Whether bringing the devices to school is acceptable or not and the discussion about possible consequences related to the (prolonged) use of smartphones (either at home or at school) by younger children and teenagers is beyond the scope of this chapter.

  10. 10.

    Microsoft HoloLens. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/.

  11. 11.

    Magic Leap. https://www.magicleap.com/.

  12. 12.

    See for example TES Global. https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?q=%23Googleexpeditions.

  13. 13.

    The panoramas can be viewed with a low cost VR headset Google Cardboard viewer. https://arvr.google.com/cardboard/.

  14. 14.

    Google Poly platform to upload, manage and distribute 3D content. https://poly.google.com/.

  15. 15.

    Google’s list of VR Expeditions. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uwWvAzAiQDueKXkxvqF6rS84oae2AU7eD8bhxzJ9SdY/edit#gid=0.

  16. 16.

    Virtual tour of the Škocjan caves educational trail. https://skocjan.hicuplab.com/. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ExoGTohXvt8.

  17. 17.

    SCANN3D application for Android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smartmobilevision.scann3d&hl=en.

  18. 18.

    Scandy Pro 3D Scanner application for iOS. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scandy-pro/id1388028223?ls=1.

  19. 19.

    Structure IO sensor. https://structure.io/.

  20. 20.

    Skanect 3D scanning software from Windows and macOS. https://skanect.occipital.com/.

  21. 21.

    Sketchfab online library of AR and VR content. https://sketchfab.com/.

  22. 22.

    SCORM Explained 201: A deeper dive into SCORM. https://scorm.com/scorm-explained/.

  23. 23.

    Tes lesson plans including the use of Expeditions application. https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?q=%23Googleexpeditions.

  24. 24.

    Google Glass Enterprise Edition: https://www.google.com/glass/start/.

  25. 25.

    CIRCL. Virtual Reality in Educational Settings. https://circlcenter.org/events/cyberlearning-2017/expertise-exchanges/vr/.

References

  • Alhumaidan H, Lo KPY, Selby A (2018) Co-designing with children a collaborative augmented reality book based on a primary school textbook. Int J Child-Comput Interact 15:24–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen D, Villano P, Popescu V (2019) AR HMD Guidance for Controlled Hand-Held 3D Acquisition. IEEE Trans Visual Comput Graph 25(11):3073–3082

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arvanitis TN, Petrou A, Knight JF, Savas S, Sotiriou S, Gargalakos M, Gialouri E (2009) Human factors and qualitative pedagogical evaluation of a mobile augmented reality system for science education used by learners with physical disabilities. Pers Ubiquit Comput 13(3):243–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bacca J, Baldiris S, Fabregat R, Graf S (2014) Augmented reality trends in education: a systematic review of research and applications. Educ Technol Soc 17(4):133–149

    Google Scholar 

  • Bertrand P, Guegan J, Robieux L, McCall CA, Zenasni F (2018) Learning empathy through virtual reality: multiple strategies for training empathy-related abilities using body ownership illusions in embodied virtual reality. Front Robot AI 5:26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Besbes B, Collette SN, Tamaazousti M, Bourgeois S, Gay-Bellile V (2012) An interactive augmented reality system: a prototype for industrial maintenance training applications. In 2012 IEEE international symposium on mixed and augmented reality (ISMAR), 2012, November. IEEE, pp 269–270

    Google Scholar 

  • Billinghurst M (2002) Augmented reality in education. New Horiz Learn 12(5):1–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Bot JA, Irschick DJ (2019) Using 3D photogrammetry to create open-access models of live animals: 2D and 3D software solutions. In: The academic library: emerging practices and trends, p 54

    Google Scholar 

  • Boulanger P (2004) Application of augmented reality to industrial tele-training. In: 2004 Proceedings of first Canadian conference on computer and robot vision. IEEE, pp 320–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Camba JD, Contero M (2015) From reality to augmented reality: rapid strategies for developing marker-based AR content using image capturing and authoring tools. In: 2015 IEEE frontiers in education conference (FIE). IEEE, pp 1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng BH, D'Angelo C, Zaner S, Kam M, Hamada RA (2018) Teaching and learning using virtual reality: identifying and examining two design principles of effective instruction. Int Soc Learn Sci [ISLS]

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng KH (2017) Reading an augmented reality book: An exploration of learners’ cognitive load, motivation, and attitudes. Australas J Educ Technol 33(4)

    Google Scholar 

  • CWRU Case Western Reserve University (2017) CWRU takes the stage at Microsoft’s Build conference to show how HoloLens can transform learning. https://case.edu/hololens/. Retrieved 6 Nov 2019

  • Del Blanco Á, Marchiori EJ, Torrente J, Martínez-Ortiz I, Fernández-Manjón B (2013) Using e-learning standards in educational video games. Comput Stand Interf 36(1):178–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunleavy M, Dede C, Mitchell R (2009) Affordances and limitations of immersive participatory augmented reality simulations for teaching and learning. J Sci Educ Technol 18(1):7–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fraga-Lamas P, Fernández-Caramés TM, Blanco-Novoa Ó, Vilar-Montesinos MA (2018) A review on industrial augmented reality systems for the industry 4.0 shipyard. IEEE Access 6:13358–13375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Friesen N (2005) Interoperability and learning objects: An overview of e-learning standardization. Interdiscip J E-Learn Learn Objects 1(1):23–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomez H (2003) Parent and child reading, designing for an interactive, dimensional reading experience. In: Proceedings of technology for interactive digital storytelling and entertainment

    Google Scholar 

  • Green Car Congress (2019) BMW Group production leveraging virtual reality and augmented reality applications, 12 April 2019, BioAge Group. https://www.greencarcongress.com/2019/04/20190412-bmwarvr.html. Retrieved 6 Nov 2019

  • Healthcare IT Today (2017) CAE Healthcare announces first mixed reality ultrasound simulation solution with Microsoft HoloLens, January 27, 2017 https://www.healthcareittoday.com/2017/01/27/cae-healthcare-announces-first-mixed-reality-ultrasound-simulation-solution-with-microsoft-hololens/. Retrieved 6 Nov 2019

  • Henderson SJ, Feiner S (2009) Evaluating the benefits of augmented reality for task localization in maintenance of an armored personnel carrier turret. In 2009 8th IEEE international symposium on mixed and augmented reality. IEEE, pp 135–144

    Google Scholar 

  • Hořejší P (2015) Augmented reality system for virtual training of parts assembly. Proc Eng 100:699–706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hornecker E (2012) Beyond affordance: tangibles’ hybrid nature. In: Proceedings of the sixth international conference on tangible, embedded and embodied interaction. ACM, pp 175–182

    Google Scholar 

  • Jesenko T, Čopic Pucihar K, Kljun M (2019) Gamification of the virtual tour to the Skocjan Caves Educational Trail using mobile technologies and photospheres. In: Proceedings of the human-computer interaction in information society HCI-IS 2019, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Google Scholar 

  • Kato H, Billinghurst M (1999) Marker tracking and HMD calibration for a video-based augmented reality conferencing system. In: Proceedings 2nd IEEE and ACM international workshop on augmented reality (IWAR'99). IEEE, pp 85–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Kljun M, Pucihar KČ, Coulton P (2018) User engagement continuum: art engagement and exploration with augmented reality. In: Augmented reality art. Springer, Cham, pp 329–342

    Google Scholar 

  • Kljun M, Pucihar KČ, Alexander J, Weerasinghe M, Campos C, Ducasse J, Čelar M (2019) Augmentation not duplication: considerations for the design of digitally-augmented comic books. In: Proceedings of the 2019 CHI conference on human factors in computing systems. ACM, p 103

    Google Scholar 

  • Klopfer E (2008) Augmented learning: research and design of mobile educational games. MIT Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Klopfer E, Squire K (2008) Environmental detectives—the development of an augmented reality platform for environmental simulations. Educ Technol Res Dev 56(2):203–228

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kothari J (2017) A new chapter for glass. Medium, The Team at X, 2017, July 18. https://blog.x.company/a-new-chapter-for-glass-c7875d40bf24

  • Koutromanos G, Sofos A, Avraamidou L (2015) The use of augmented reality games in education: a review of the literature. Educ Media Int 52(4):253–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laine TH, Suk HJ (2016) Designing mobile augmented reality exergames. Games Cult 11(5):548–580

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laverde AC, Cifuentes YS, Rodriguez HYR (2007) Toward an instructional design model based on learning objects. Educ Tech Res Dev 55(6):671–681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee K (2012) Augmented reality in education and training. TechTrends 56(2):13–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lochrie M, Čopič Pucihar K, Gradinar A, Coulton P (2013) Time-wARpXplorer: creating a playful experience in an urban time warp. Phys Digital Games Play

    Google Scholar 

  • Martín-Gutiérrez J, Saorín JL, Contero M, Alcañiz M, Pérez-López DC, Ortega M (2010) Design and validation of an augmented book for spatial abilities development in engineering students. Comput Graph 34(1):77–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Medlock-Walton MP (2012) TaleBlazer: a platform for creating multiplayer location-based games (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

    Google Scholar 

  • Microsoft (2018) Galaxy explorer: you shared your ideas. We’re sharing the code. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/mixed-reality/galaxy-explorer. Accessed 6 Nov 2019

  • Muñoz T (2017) Supporting technology for augmented reality game-based learning (Doctoral dissertation, Universitat de Girona, Departament d'Arquitectura i Tecnologia de Computadors)

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson S, Arvola M, Szczepanski A, Bång M (2012) Exploring place and direction: mobile augmented reality in the Astrid Lindgren landscape. In: Proceedings of the 24th Australian computer-human interaction conference. ACM, pp 411–419

    Google Scholar 

  • Park JS (2011) AR-Room: a rapid prototyping framework for augmented reality applications. Multimedia Tools Appl 55(3):725–746

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pierce D (2016) 3D technologies add another dimension to learning. J Transform Educ Technol 43(1):9–10

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Prieto LP, Wen Y, Caballero D, Dillenbourg P (2014) Review of augmented paper systems in education: an orchestration perspective. J Educ Technol Soc 17(4):169–185

    Google Scholar 

  • Protalinski, E (2015) 100,000 students and counting: Google brings VR kits to schools in 15 more cities. VB Venture Beat. https://venturebeat.com/2015/11/09/100000-students-and-counting-google-brings-vr-kits-to-schools-in-15-more-cities/. Accessed 10 Nov 2019

  • Pucihar KČ, Kljun M (2018) ART for art: augmented reality taxonomy for art and cultural heritage. In: Augmented reality art. Springer, Cham, pp 73–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Rankohi S, Waugh L (2013) Review and analysis of augmented reality literature for construction industry. Vis Eng 1(1):9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapeepisarn K, Wong KW, Fung CC, Khine MS (2008) The relationship between game genres, learning techniques and learning styles in educational computer games. In: International conference on technologies for E-learning and digital entertainment, pp 497–508. Springer, Berlin

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers K, Frommel J, Breier L, Celik S, Kramer H, Kreidel S, Schrader C (2015) Mobile augmented reality as an orientation aid: a scavenger hunt prototype. In: 2015 International conference on intelligent environments. IEEE, pp 172–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigues AB, Dias DRC, Martins VF, Bressan PA, de Paiva Guimarães M (2017) WebAR: a web-augmented reality-based authoring tool with experience API support for educational applications. In: International conference on universal access in human-computer interaction. Springer, Cham, pp 118–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenbaum E, Klopfer E, Perry J (2007) On location learning: Authentic applied science with networked augmented realities. J Sci Educ Technol 16(1):31–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Santos MEC, Chen A, Taketomi T, Yamamoto G, Miyazaki J, Kato H (2013a) Augmented reality learning experiences: Survey of prototype design and evaluation. IEEE Trans Learn Technol 7(1):38–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Santos MEC, Yamamoto G, Taketomi T, Miyazaki J, Kato H (2013b) Authoring augmented reality learning experiences as learning objects. In 2013 IEEE 13th international conference on advanced learning technologies. IEEE, pp 506–507

    Google Scholar 

  • Sommerauer P, Müller O (2018) Augmented reality for teaching and learning-a literature review on theoretical and empirical foundations. In: ECIS

    Google Scholar 

  • Squire KD, Jan M (2007) Mad City Mystery: developing scientific argumentation skills with a place-based augmented reality game on handheld computers. J Sci Educ Technol 16(1):5–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tinti-Kane H, Vahey P (2018) xR in EDU Survey 2018: Benchmarking Adoption Trends in K12 and Higher Education. Report series, EdTech Times

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Krevelen DWF, Poelman R (2010) A survey of augmented reality technologies, applications and limitations. Int J Virtual Reality 9(2):1–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viinikkala L, Heimo OI, Korkalainen T, Mäkilä T, Helle S, Pönni V, Lehtonen T (2014) The Luostarinmäki adventure–an augmented reality game in an open-air museum. Engaging SpacES 231

    Google Scholar 

  • Waismann C (2016) Virtual Reality promise: a contemporary version of "The Emperor's new clothes"? EdTech Mindset: your must-have educational guide to the future. https://www.mindcet.org/

  • Weerasinghe M, Quigley A, Ducasse J, Pucihar K Č, Kljun M (2019) Educational augmented reality games. In: Augmented reality games II. Springer, Cham, pp 3–32

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Weng C, Rathinasabapathi A, Weng A, Zagita C (2019) Mixed reality in science education as a learning support: a revitalized science book. J Educ Comput Res 57(3):777–807

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiley DA (2000) Connecting learning objects to instructional design theory: A definition, a metaphor, and a taxonomy. Instr Use Learn Objects 2830(435):1–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams R (2004) Context, content and commodities: e-learning objects. Electron J e-Learn 2(2):305–312

    Google Scholar 

  • Wojciechowski R, Cellary W (2013) Evaluation of learners’ attitude toward learning in ARIES augmented reality environments. Comput Educ 68:570–585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu HK, Lee SWY, Chang HY, Liang JC (2013) Current status, opportunities and challenges of augmented reality in education. Comput Educ 62:41–49

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuen SC, Yaoyuneyong G, Johnson E (2011) Augmented reality: an overview and five directions for AR in education. J Educ Technol Dev Exch 4(1)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the European Commission for funding the InnoRenew CoE project (Grant Agreement 739574) under the Horizon 2020 Widespread-Teaming program and the Republic of Slovenia (Investment funding of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union of the European Regional Development Fund). The research was also supported by the Slovenian research agency ARRS (P1–0383 and J1–9186).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia

    Matjaž Kljun & Klen Čopič Pucihar

  2. Faculty of Information Studies (FIŠ), Novo Mesto, Slovenia

    Matjaž Kljun & Klen Čopič Pucihar

  3. Faculty of Informatics and Computer Science, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

    Vladimir Geroimenko

Authors
  1. Matjaž Kljun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Vladimir Geroimenko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Klen Čopič Pucihar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matjaž Kljun .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Informatics and Computer Science, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt

    Vladimir Geroimenko

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Kljun, M., Geroimenko, V., Čopič Pucihar, K. (2020). Augmented Reality in Education: Current Status and Advancement of the Field. In: Geroimenko, V. (eds) Augmented Reality in Education. Springer Series on Cultural Computing. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42156-4_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42156-4_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-42155-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-42156-4

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation