Overview
Aurasma is one of those special tools that just blows students, teachers and parents away. Taking advantage of one of the most magical advances in mobile technology, Augmented Reality, Aurasma allows you to link video, audio and amazingly realistic 3D imagery to everyday objects in your classroom. This app is one you just have to try to see its enormous potential for learning!
Name: Aurasma – www.aurasma.comPricing: Free
Compatibility: Android / iOS
Access: Email signup
Privacy: Customizable (privacy policy)
A Quick Look
Give it a Try
Download the app and try pointing it at this ten pound note (or a real one if you have it handy). Depending on where you are, you can also try a one dollar bill or a twenty euro note.
In Practice
1. Have some fun
First things first. Take some time to have a play with Aurasma. Whether you want to explore it yourself or let your students have free rein, there is a huge collection of pre-made Auras (Aurasma’s name for each Augmented Reality set piece) to start getting inspired by.
2. Add multimedia to traditional material
This idea from educator Paul Hamilton shows how Aurasma can be used to add additional information for students to static material. Try using video content you have available or that you may have created, and integrate it into printed or digital material for students. Not only is this an engaging and refreshing way for students to learn additional material, the blended learning experience may also be the spark some students need to get involved.
3. Challenge students to create their own Auras
Older students can use the Aurasma app to create their own Augmented Reality Auras. This could be rolled into just about any creative or academic work, but lends itself very well to building on digital art or adding multimedia creations to more traditional media.
4. Involving parents and family
Using Aurasma to present student work and give insight into what goes on in your classroom can be a VERY impressive way to show parents how technology can be used in innovative and creative ways. Try integrating Aurasma into images in the school newsletter, linking written assignments to video presentations, or as one creative teacher has done, have parents use Aurasma during classroom visits or Open House evenings.
5. Scavenger hunt
It does not matter what age your students are, a scavenger or treasure hunt immediately gets students involved in learning. Try using Aurasma as the tool to deliver clues throughout your scavenger hunt. Students can use a phone or tablet to scan each checkpoint and use the Augmented Reality result to continue on the quest. A techy new spin on a classroom classic!
Links and Next Steps
- Aurasma Gallery – Check out some of the Auras created by Aurasma users
- Aurasma Archives: Education – Collection of Aurasma education examples
- Tons of Classroom Examples Using Augmented Reality with Aurasma
- Learning Guide: Aurasma – Resources from University of Wyoming
- TED Talk: Image recognition that triggers augmented reality – Video (8 min)
- Educade – Lesson plans using Aurasmas
- Aurasma For The Classroom – Beautiful Prezi by Matt Hollowell
- 5 ways to use Aurasma in your classroom – Ideas from educator Rebecca Davies
- Augmented Reality Brings New Dimensions to Learning – Edutopia
- Aurasma: Augmented Reality in the Classroom – Prezi by Lauren Tate
- Augmented Reality in schools – Math tutorial example video (2 min)
Feature image adapted from image courtesy of Flickr, turkletom.
