In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, technology integration continues to reshape every aspect of life—including your K-12 classrooms. From interactive whiteboards to AR (augmented reality) tools, educators now have innovative ways to enhance learning experiences.
While AR brings immersive opportunities for teaching, it can also present challenges, especially when managing technology with younger students. However, when implemented thoughtfully, AR has the potential to revolutionize K-12 education, making learning more engaging and accessible.
Today, we’ll explore how AR tech can help to transform your K-12 classroom in a positive way. And we’ll answer some commonly asked questions, share recent studies, and outline ideas to inspire how you impact student learning with augmented reality. g.
What to know about AR, education, and your K-12 students
What is AR in the classroom?
AR (augmented reality) in the classroom uses technology to overlay digital content, such as 3D models or interactive visuals, onto the physical world to enhance learning experiences.
How does AR benefit students?
AR makes learning at any level more engaging and interactive by bringing abstract concepts to life and encouraging active participation.
What types of AR apps work for classrooms?
AR apps for classrooms range from subject-specific tools like anatomy models to general apps that create immersive experiences in science, history, and math.
Benefits of AR in education
Augmented reality (AR) is technology used to support or enhance an experience. This can be as simple as a classroom digital light to signal transition times, a classroom response system with remote buttons or clickers, or a school-issued laptop for virtual learning. Smart boards or digital whiteboards are also included in the AR group. These tools help students experience content in an immersive way, boosting concept and information retention.
Here are other recent studies and industry-supported findings regarding AR in the classroom:
Peertechz reported that AR in education had a positive impact on student learning, motivation, and visuospatial skills.
eLearning Industry shared additional benefits of AR for students, providing multisensory experiences that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.
Teachfloor suggests that AR encourages problem-solving and critical thinking skills, allowing students to become more independent and engaged learners.
What are some AR-inclusive classroom management strategies to consider?
Set Clear Expectations
Some helpful classroom management strategies for incorporating AR tools start with clear expectations and boundaries. This can start as a simple set of rules for using a specific AR tool for younger students. For older students, rules may need to be more specific in nature, depending on how complex the technology that you’re addressing is.
Regulate screen time
Regulation will also be key. The Mayo Clinic recommends that the younger the child, the less screen time, the better, which can extend to the classroom and influence your choice of AR tools. You may opt for an interactive projector for students to use during small parts of the curriculum or for show-and-tells or have a designated audiovisual space for older students to explore more advanced pieces of technology.
Reinforce positive behaviors
Clear consequences are the second part of the equation. A system that acts as a reinforcement to discourage inappropriate behavior or AR tool use is necessary. This can include communication with parents, reports to administration, or just a time-out, depending on the student's age.
Applications and guidelines for various grade levels
A general guideline for applying AR to K-12 classrooms is to limit extended periods of highly stimulating technology with younger students and reserve the more immersive type of technology for older students.
Kindergarteners will thrive best with AR tools, like microphones, small electronic toys, or special curriculum days that may include hologram displays or interactive buttons.
Elementary and middle school students can handle a little more immersive technology, and virtual reality systems can be a fun and engaging way to explore curriculum content like the solar system, ancient Egypt, or even the bottom of the ocean.
High school students are at the perfect age to explore more immersive reality-type technology and can easily transition into and out of these types of devices compared to younger students. AR tools for older students may look something like virtual anatomy lessons, exploring how an internal combustion engine works, or even deep diving into programming to develop their own AR application.
How to manage augmented reality learning
Managing AR in education and learning isn’t so different than managing other classroom resources with accompanying curricula. Learning with these tools may require a little more supervision than others, as the expense may be higher if damage occurs.
With younger students, designating time to use AR tools may involve breaking into small groups or having an organized, individual experience with their teacher. For younger students, this may look like having a designated technology day during the week compared to a daily routine.
The key is flexibility. Consider a blended structure in your classroom that balances the following management strategies:
Break students into small groups to allow hands-on interaction with AR tools.
Schedule designated AR activity times, ensuring focused usage and minimizing distractions.
Supervise usage to protect equipment and guide students through the content.
How to enhance learning for K-12 students with AR
There are various ways to enhance learning for K-12 students with AR. AR tools for older students may look like virtual anatomy lessons, exploring how an internal combustion engine works, or even deep-diving into programming to develop their AR application.
For younger students, there may be interactive buttons or simple holograms that students can access during class time. Also, because AR tools don’t have to be virtual reality headsets to engage and enhance learning, they’re incredibly flexible in any learning environment. Teachers can use tablets and devices to introduce interactive AR to their students.
Edutopia recently shared some of its favorite AR tools. Imagine how excited your students would be if you introduced one of these AR products to the day’s lesson:
Merge Cube – explore the water cycle, fossils, and simple machines.
Assemblr – explore ocean ecosystems, the universe, and even math.
Quiver Masks – create character masks to become part of a story.
Narrator AR – practice handwriting virtually.
Wonderscope – interact with stories, including “Little Red the Inventor.”
Best AR learning strategies for K-12 students
Your AR tools will be an exciting resource for students to learn organically and immersively and explore all sorts of new interests. AR learning strategies are a good way to keep expectations of students consistent while providing direction and purpose for these tools.
Establish clear expectations with your students about how AR tools will be used, cared for, and accessed. This may include logins, passwords, or supervision while in use.
Include how you will monitor students’ use of AR tools. Direct supervision is an easy way to monitor individuals. Still, you may have to be a little more creative with more complex technology like virtual reality sets or tools that access the internet.
Consider incorporating a specific transition into and out of using AR tools. This can help younger students, especially in reorienting smoothly and minimizing tantrums.
Use AR tools to build relationships with your students. Provide positive feedback on how they’re interacting with the space or content. Take note of their small successes with these tools and how they relate to wider concepts.
More FAQs about AR in today’s K-12 classrooms
Before your school can adopt widespread use of AR, you’ll likely have questions. Become familiar with and establish a level of comfort with the readily available tools and resources, designed to improve how teachers teach and how students learn. These common FAQs will help provide additional, quick-reference insights so you can explore AR in your K-12 classrooms.
Are there free AR resources for classrooms?
Yes, many free AR apps and resources are available online, covering various subjects and grade levels. In addition to those listed above, here are a few other favorites to consider with your students:
How does AR impact collaboration in the classroom?
AR encourages teamwork by providing interactive group activities and shared learning experiences.
Is AR safe for students to use?
Yes, AR is safe when used in a supervised setting with age-appropriate content.
What challenges do schools face with AR adoption?
Common challenges include limited access to devices, teacher training needs, and the integration of AR into existing curriculums.
Does AR work for remote or hybrid learning?
Yes, AR tools can enhance remote or hybrid learning by providing interactive, self-paced experiences that students access from home.
How can teachers find AR tools for their classrooms?
Teachers can explore app stores, education technology websites, and AR-focused communities to find tools that match their curriculum.
Does AR require expensive equipment?
Most AR tools only need a smartphone or tablet, making it an affordable option for many schools.
What subjects benefit most from AR in the classroom?
AR works well in science, math, history, and art but can enhance nearly any subject by adding interactive and visual elements.
Does AR replace traditional teaching methods?
No, AR complements traditional teaching by adding an engaging, hands-on component to lessons.
Can AR improve student engagement?
Yes, AR captivates students by providing hands-on learning experiences that traditional teaching methods often cannot offer.
How does AR help with STEM education?
AR enhances STEM education by visualizing complex concepts, simulating experiments, and encouraging critical thinking.
Is AR difficult for teachers to use?
AR tools are user-friendly by design and include guides and lesson plans, making it easy for teachers to integrate them into the classroom. Start small and integrate basic AR resources to support existing learning strategies. As students and teachers grow more confident with its use and applications, your district can implement additional AR-based resources and technologies.
Can AR support students with different learning styles?
Yes, AR appeals to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners by offering a multi-sensory approach to education. It’s great for inclusive and adaptive learning environments.
Incorporate technology in your K-12 classroom layouts
Incorporating technology into your K-12 classroom can look incredibly different depending on the students, grade level, and subject matter. Digital studios may fit one school structure a little better than a designated media room, or your school may find more use for a designated video creation space.
We have all the classroom furniture essentials you need to outfit your K-12 classroom and make it perfect for AR and technology.
Explore STEM/makerspace areas.
Explore computer lab and training rooms.
Explore Esports rooms.
School Outfitters has all the tech-friendly furnishings you need
When you’re ready to implement new technologies into your district, don’t overlook the importance of furniture and supplies to support those enhancements. School Outfitters is your go-to resource for tech-friendly furnishings, room designs, and AR-supportive products. Find what you need for all your K-12 learning spaces, including technology and school furniture. Get a free quote from our furniture experts within 24 hours. Or take some time to chat with us about your future-ready classrooms. We’re here to help.
