Augmented reality (AR) projects digital data onto the physical world (Lee, 2014). ZapWorks is one tool that may be used to create AR experiences as it’s a cloud-based platform that enables users to create, publish, and share AR content. Offering emerging technology in the classroom such as Zapworks is engaging for the students (Akcayir & Akcayir, 2017) and offers dynamic learning opportunities as it has the potential to revolutionise education and foster creativity.
In the classroom, ZapWorks can be utilised to improve learning in a variety of subject areas while fostering creativity. For instance, in Science, students can utilise augmented reality to investigate and comprehend difficult scientific ideas like the human body (shown in the figure), the solar system, and the water cycle.
ZapWorks is in line with the NSW K–6 curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on using technology to improve student learning. For instance, ZapWorks can be used to develop AR experiences that let students examine and interact with various structures and systems in Stage 2 Science, where they are required to "study how structures and systems function through scientific enquiry” (NESA,2023). Students are using a constructivist approach as they are inspired to think creatively and develop their ideas and consider how they want to convey material while designing their own augmented reality with ZapWorks.
How to use Zapworks by S.F
While augmented reality (AR) has the potential to improve learning and encourage creativity, it could take a significant amount of time to teach students how to use it. However teachers can avoid this by organising and using time effectively such as for students who dont understand how to use it, the class can continue on to start while the teacher helps them one on one.
Due to its ability to let students engage with digital content in a way that feels immersive and realistic, augmented reality (AR) is an effective tool for promoting creativity in the classroom.
References
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2023). Science K–10: Stage 2. Retrieved from https://syllabus.nesa.nsw.edu.au/science/science-k10/content/1217/
Akcayir, M., & Akcayir, G. (2017). Advantages and challenges associated with augmented reality for education: A systematic review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 20, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2016.11.002
Lee, K. M. (2014). Augmented reality in education and training. TechTrends, 58(5), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-014-0781-y
ZapWorks. Augmented Reality for Education. https://zap.works/augmented-reality-education/
BC Hydro. (n.d.). The water cycle. BC Hydro Schools. https://schools.bchydro.com/activities/energy/the-water-cycle
Hi Souraya,
What an incredible vlog on ZapWorks, and how it can be used to foster students creativity.
You've clearly researched very deeply into the pros and cons of Augmented reality, and the different ways they can be used as a learning tool in a classroom.
I really appreciate your direct links to the NSW syllabus outcomes, and the specific example on how it can be used to teach a stage 2 science class. Your ZapWorks example was wonderful and very interesting.
One thing that you could maybe think about is what pedagogies would be effective for this ?
Great work,
Djoumana Aoun
Hi Souraya,
I really liked your post on AR this week, and thought that all the content and information you included was very interesting!
I really liked how you included lots of information of Zapworks as an emerging technology and how it is aligned with the curriculum. This is really helpful information to teachers!
I also really liked that you included lots of photos and videos, and even your own creation, as this highlights how teachers can use technologies like this themselves in the future. \
Well done :))
Bella Kaderavek (11/04/23)
Hi Souraya!
I really enjoyed this post and thought it was very insightful. I think by linking the augmented reality tool 'zapworks' to multiple different lessons, shows how great of a tool it can be for children learning within science. You have shown that if used correctly it can be a great and interactive tool.
However, it is important to consider the limitations which you have done well. I think it is also important to consider the accessibility of this application to all students within Australia. As well as training for teachers that perhaps did not do digital technology in university and are not as comfortable using it.
Thanks.
Tamara Browne (46366997)