AR Authoring Tools In eLearning Development
As technology becomes more visible, we see different ways AR impacts various industries, including eLearning. AR has emerged as one of the best solutions for enhancing the learning experience, and it has produced a new era of digital learning and opened the way for many opportunities. Let’s look at AR authoring tools, and how they allow educators to make engaging and captivating eLearning content.
The Development Of Education In The Digital Age
Through the digital age, the traditional method of education [1] has changed to meet the demands of the techie generation. eLearning is developing quickly and has been providing convenience and flexibility as a cornerstone of education. Compared to traditional printing, there is easier and cheaper creation and deployment of books and content which aids cost-efficiency. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds by overlaying digital content onto the real world.
AR’s Role In Enhancing eLearning
Augmented Reality can potentially transform how we approach eLearning by providing interactive and multi-sensory experiences that are more engaging than traditional methods. It also engages learners on a deeper level, improving information retention and recall [2] and addressing the issue of learners’ falling attention span. Students can interact with virtual objects, visualize complex concepts, and explore simulations more insightfully and naturally with the help of AR-enabled devices such as tablets, smartphones, or AR headsets. The SkyView app is an example of AR in education.
The number of AR users increases year over year. ARtillery Intelligence says that there are 1.4 billion active AR users as of 2023 [3], and it is expected to increase to 1.73 billion in 2024. AR makes the subject feel alive and promotes active learning. A practical example is how a biology teacher uses the Froggipedia app to learn and explore the internal organs of a frog.
Exploring The Benefits Of AR Authoring Tools
Without the need for technical expertise or special knowledge, AR authoring tools allow teachers to create AR-enhanced content—from creating 3D models to developing interactive scenarios. Several AR authoring tools have emerged as groundbreakers in the education technological landscape, allowing users to design fascinating AR experiences. These tools provide drag-and-drop and other user-friendly features, that enable the creation of interactive content without a high learning curve.
AR authoring tools can be used to create interactive textbooks, lessons, and other educational content. It also makes it easy to update current eLearning courses, including source files.
Use Cases Of AR Authoring Tools
Various educators have embraced AR authoring tools [4] to make eLearning content. In subjects ranging from science and mathematics to language, arts, and history, they make use of interactive AR books that contain animated 3D models, engaging actions, and sounds. The use of custom printable AR worksheets linked to class lessons or homework has increased students’ comprehension. Another use case is making field trip experiences better with more information by visiting locations with AR features.
As an educator, various elements [5] such as the features, scalability, and interactive elements should be considered when selecting an eLearning authoring tool. When students are involved in AR-enhanced lessons, their enthusiasm, participation, and understanding increase—which also motivates them to learn more.
The Future Of Education With AR
AR authoring tools bring benefits to educators, learners, institutions, and content creators/publishers. As they become more accessible, and as educators continue to utilize their potential, the future of education looks great. AR is not only a trend, it is the way we see and pass on knowledge and information. The merging of education and technology will shape the next generation of learners and prepare them for a developed and flexible world. AR can be the future of education [6] with more adoption of new technologies and integration of digital content by publishers.
Conclusion
With the use of AR authoring tools, Augmented Reality can bring development to the traditional educational system. As we explore the outcomes of AR in education, these tools help educators improve the content of eLearning and instill the love of studying into learners that goes beyond the classroom. Additionally, educational institutions will get higher engagement and creativity if they offer a better learning experience with the use of technology.
