How Does Augmented Reality Work in Elearning?

Designing Digitally

05/15/2018

Augmented reality (AR) takes the real world and projects computer-generated inputs to it. All you need is an appropriate device loaded with relevant software. AR is being developed along with mobile technologies and used for training. Healthcare is one sector that has benefited to a great extent with the help of AR. Doctors can better explain the anatomy of the body or a complex procedure much easier. Military uses AR technology to train soldiers on the enemy locations. In manufacturing industries, workers deal with complex heavy machinery. They must be very careful while operating them. One small mistake can cause loss of life. With the help of AR technologies, workers can learn how to operate these machinery in a safe, simulated environment. In the corporate sector, some organizations use AR technologies during induction of new employees, giving them a virtual tour of the premises.

AR applications can broadly be classified into two categories – marker-based and GPS based. Marker based applications recognize images in the real world, calculate its position, and then overlays the image with content. GPS based applications use the Global Positioning System tools in your smartphone. They find landmarks or points of interest and supply information about them. These applications provide real-time education to learners about various places.

AR and Elearning

When you use AR for enhancing the learning experience, you need to keep in mind the situation the learner is in before superimposing relevant information in the learning context. This superimposed information enhances the visual and auditory fields and provides an enhanced sensory experience. AR has the capability to blend the real and digital world by creating an immersive experience.

Here are some reasons why AR is revolutionizing the eLearning landscape and will continue to do it.

  • AR had not played a significant role in learning before. But now it is becoming progressively relevant. Previously, we may not have had the right tools and processes to utilize this technology to its full potential. This scenario is fast changing. Organizations are increasingly looking for new ways to impart training. They have realized the benefits this technology can bring to them and are open to experiment. They are ready to invest in tools and processes if they can see rise in the engagement levels of their employees.
  • Previously, when you thought of using AR technology for your learning needs, you had to have substantial budget at disposal. But all that is changing now. The costs of hardware, software, and process are coming down. Now, you can create an immersive learning experience with the help of your smartphone. Of course, you need to scale up for a larger audience and ensure the base cost is reasonable. Organizations are ready to invest where they see a good return on their training budget. After all, they need their employees to upskill and boost their productivity.
  • A sure shot way to enhance your learner experience and involvement is to use this technology. AR is more like gaming. This technology is fun and immersive by overlay of information on the real world. And, if you encourage your employees to have fun while learning, then their engagement levels will go through the roof. This will allow learners to remain invested in the course, learn faster, and retain more.
  • Using AR for eLearning is not only fun, it is safe too. When you let your learners practice their skills in a virtual environment, they are not worried about the consequences of their actions. For example, when your machine operator drops a load on the virtual shop floor while practicing his carton pickup skills, he is not worried about the damage his actions may have caused. It is all happening in the virtual world. As a result, he practices till he perfects his move. Now, when he does the same action in the real job scenario, he is confident and his productivity levels go up.

While providing Augmented Reality Training you'll find many challenges with tracking. Most learning management systems are equipped to deal with traditional courses. They are unable to track the completion when the courses are experiential in format. New methods of tracking like xAPI can be used to deal with the challenge.

Here at Designing Digitally, Inc., we create custom eLearning designed specifically for your training objectives. Our courses ensure strong retention of information and provide innovative ways to change learner behaviors. Each learning ecosystem developed by Designing Digitally is tailored to the customer’s eLearning specifications and needs.

Get in touch with our experts today to learn how Augmented Reality Training can benefit your corporate learning.