ARcampfire: Firing up Learning with Augmented Reality
A case for AR’s place in education, and an introduction to a new AR teaching tool that adapts to diverse instructional needs.
Ever-changing Educational Tools
A mainstay in the classroom for over three centuries was the hornbook, a simple sheet printed with the alphabet, mounted on wood, horn, or stone. Consider the whirlwind of changes to the classroom from the late 19th century through today. What tools were part of your education that have now disappeared, replaced by more effective and efficient tools? The word processor? The overhead projector? The clunky desktop computer?
With smartphones in nearly everyone’s pocket, especially our digitally-immersed youth, innovators are capitalizing on the educational potential of mobile devices. They can be conduits for learning and training through augmented reality technology.
Research Proves AR’s Value
As research continues to examine how new technologies work (or don’t) in facilitating learning, augmented reality is proving its value as a tool for education and training. A recent comparison of AR and VR in teaching new material documented AR’s effectiveness in the learner’s retention of auditory information. Additionally, a 2017 literature review that focused on AR’s uses in educational settings noted, “Studies have shown that immersion in a digital environment can enhance education in at least three ways: by allowing multiple perspectives, situated learning, and transfer.” The learner’s real-world setting is amplified with focused direction, a framework for teaching new material, and motivating invitations for active participation.
ARcampfire Launches
Worker Studio, an animation production company recognized for creating engaging 3D characters, saw the sparks of AR’s educational capabilities when designing the astronaut character Eugene “Cosmo” Nutt for a project with Colorado Springs’ Space Foundation. They developed “Cosmo’s Classroom” an AR Learning Experience. Shortly after, this platform was adapted for an Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. The broader AR platform they’ve branded as ARcampfire, a learning engine platform for teaching, training, and messaging that can be tailored to specific educational needs. AR experts Argis Solutions provided the augmented reality technology that supports ARcampfire’s animated performances and customizable information transfer.
Versatile, Engaging, with Built-In Analytics
ARcampfire was built to be versatile. It instructs and engages young students, but it can also communicate highly technical information, whether it’s teaching the basics of the Solar System with Cosmo to training airmen on operating the Global Navigation Satellite Systems. Complex concepts are broken down into easier-to-grasp, example-based visual experiences.
The unique learning environment provided through augmented reality increases participant interest and involvement through story-driven visual and audial immersion. Its performance capture technology allows teachers or trainers to conduct their own lessons, translated as animation in augmented reality.
Gamification capabilities built into the platform offer analytics, promoting a more robust and directly trackable teaching and messaging event. It’s portable, too, useable both indoors and outdoors. With ARcampfire, tailored AR instruction is within reach of any organization that wants to capitalize on AR’s engaging communication capabilities.