Journal 3: Abracadabra - It's Augmented Reality

(NETS-T 1 and 2)

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra - it's augmented reality!. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

     In the article "Abracadabra- It's Augmented Reality!", Raphael Raphael discusses Augmented Reality (AR), and how it is useful in education.What augmented reality is is "adding layers on the real world, usually in real time" (Raphael, 2011). Examples of this include books instantly appearing in your hands or flames shooting from your fingers. Raphael compares these things to magic.AR is becoming more widespread and available, as are touch and gestural computers, so it is important for educators to incorporate the latest technologies to both excite students, as well as allow them new ways to create. Currently, the best tool to get students using AR is Zooburst, which is an AR pop-up story-telling tool. It allows students to interact with the story, and the effects are even better if the computer has a webcam. The student just puts a "marker" (a printed Zooburst marker) in front of the webcam and the pup-up story-book will appear. Additionally, Zooburst is currently the only AR product on the market for non-programmers, which includes most teachers.
     Some new innovations that augment reality include Mobile apps and Social Networks, among others. Examples of mobile apps that do this include:pointing your phone at a restaurant and the menu pops up on your phone, or pointing your phone at a monument and getting historical information. Social Networking apps that augment reality are Tagwhat and Tweet360, which allow you to tag a specific location to a tweet. Eventually, these types of apps will allow you to point your phone at a person, and then see their recent tweets or facebook statuses, ass well as their Google information.

QUESTION 1: Why is it important for educators to incorporate AR into the classroom?
To excite students, as well as give them new way to create. Additionally, it is a fun way to do a lesson, because students will see it almost as magic, as Raphael mentions

QUESTION 2: What do you think of using Social Networking to "augment reality"?
I honestly find it all a little scary. The accessibility of information about people brought on by apps such as Tweet360 and Tagwhat might risk people's privacy as the technology gets advanced and people can hack into others' information, which already exists. Knowing someone's location can risk safety in some cases, when bad people are involved.