What is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is a way of using a picture, known as a trigger image, to generate a video, slideshow or computer generated graphic.
Here is a wonderful TED talk that demonstrates Augmented Reality:
For several years now, experts predicting future directions in technology and education have determined that technology moving forward will be using a lot of Augmented Reality. 
Here is Google's next project demonstrating the incredible potential of AR:

How can Augmented Reality be used in the Classroom?

If you are looking for ways to inspire, motivate and engage children, then AR is well worth investigating!.
From Mr P's ICT Blog:
Augmented Reality definitely provides the WOW factor in the classroom. The reaction of showing the a class some examples of AR was that of utter shock, amazement and complete awe. Children are fascinated to see how a picture they have drawn or made can transform into a video. They are perplexed by how it works and definitely enthralled by the sense of magic that AR provides.
For examples of Year 5's literacy work check out Mr P's blog here.
To see an example of AR Science posters such as the Water Cycle click here
Here is an example from Shaw Wood Primary:

Aurasma:  Overview

Aurasma is a free app  
Aurasma is an augmented reality platform. It is available as a free app for iPhones, iPads and high-powered Android devices or as a  kernel for developers, Aurasma uses advanced image and pattern recognition to blend the real-world with rich interactive content such as videos and animations called “Auras”.

Aurasma: How to use

  1. Download the Aurasma app in iTunes
  2. Open the app and tap on the magnifying glass
  3. Search Aurasma for the Clayfield College channel
  4. Tap on the channel and tap `Follow'
  5. Tap on the `A' (Aurasma) icon
  6. View `--------------' article in the view finder
  7. Once the website appears, tap once to view in full screen

Aurasma example- Retell 
  1. Download the Aurasma app in iTunes
  2. Open the app and tap on the magnifying glass
  3. Search Aurasma for the Clayfield College JS channel
  4. Tap on the channel and tap `Follow'
  5. Tap on the `A' icon
  6. Scan the image to view a student retell of the story (story created using Explain Everything app)

Create your own aura
  1. Open the app `Aurasma'
  2. Tap on the `Aurasma' symbol (A)
  3. Tap the `+' icon
  4. Choose an overlay (3D animations from the `Library' or tap on `Device' to use a video or image from your `Camera Roll'
  5. Tap `Select'
  6. Capture your `Trigger' image
  7. Position overlay
  8. Name your `Aura'
  9. Tap `Finished'
  10. View your `Trigger' image to see your `Aura'

Aurasma Help Videos

An introduction to Aurasma 

Suggestions for use

  • Invitations
  • Explanations e.g. water cycle
  • Brochures for events
  • Virtual tour of school
  • Historical information
  • Introduction to the classroom teacher
  • Interactive artwork
  • Weekly homework for parents and students to scan
  • Musical or Drama production poster
  • Animal habitat tour
  • Interactive wall displays
  • Interactive weather map
  • Treasure hunt!
  • Book review
  • Student journal
  • Professional Learning Magazine
  • Screencast of a science or mathematical concept
For more examples of how Augmented Reality is being used in schools, click here

and more...
Augmented Reality explained