Augmented reality (AR) is an innovative technology that inputs digital information onto objects in real work, which overall aim to help individuals feel connected to both the virtual and physical world (Berryman, 2012). There are many platforms such as ZappWorks and Merge Cubes which are creative tools to help foster a more engaging and learning environment.
Merge Cubes is an interactive and immersive learning tool that gives students opportunities to explore and learn about 3D modeling. It is designed for students to be able to learn about a specific topic through the use of scanning a cube with an iPad or phone and having a 3D image on the screen. This tool is an excellent augmented reality as it provides a 3D image where students can manipulate to help learn more about a specific topic (Johnson, 2019). This therefore, creates a unique learning environment and gets students to be more hands-on rather than having them see just a simple 2D image in a textbook.
This photo was taken during the tutorial class
Fostering Creativity
According to the Australian Cross-Curriculum Syllabus, students are able to use merge cubes by exploring a wide range of subjects such as arts, math, science, history, and geography (Schmid et al., 2020). Linking to the science syllabus outcome, merge cubes is essential for students in the early stage such as stage 2 as they are more developed when using technology. The NSW syllabus for stage 2 science (ST2-6PW) helps support students in exploring new concepts such as manipulating and observing (NSW Education Standard, 2023)
Merge cubes provides students with the opportunity to make their own augmented reality and be able to experience new ways of using technology (Ntuli, 2019). This creates an environment where students are being challenged and learning how to problem-solve which is important and relevant for students during the early years. This technology tool can be used in a classroom by getting students to work in a team and make their own augmented reality on a relevant topic which will get students to be more collaborative.
Both videos were taken during tutorial class
Limitations
As there are many important factors when using merge cubes, there are also some limitations. As with many other technology tools, there are many schools that are unable to supply all equipment such as an iPad and the merge cubes. Merge cubes are expensive which can limit the amount each student is able to use.
ZappWorks - Tutorial Lesson
References
Berryman, D. R. (2012). Augmented reality: a review. Medical reference services quarterly,
31(2), 212-218.
Johnson, J. (2019). Jumping into the world of virtual and augmented reality. Knowledge
Quest, 47(4), 22-27.
Ntuli, E. (2019, November). Augmented reality in early learning: Experiences of K-3
teachers with merge cubes. In E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate,
Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education (pp. 557-560). Association for the
Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Schmid, J. R., Ernst, M. J., & Thiele, G. (2020). Structural chemistry 2.0: Combining
augmented reality and 3D online models.
Science and Technology K–6 | NSW Education Standards. (2023). Nsw.edu.au.
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