Things to Know About Using Augmented Reality (AR) in E-Learning

It may seem like an inaccessible innovation for many of us, but 1.5 billion consumers worldwide use AR. Also, the camera-equipped mobile devices we use every day support AR. In this article, let's learn how AR enhances the interaction and effectiveness of your learning and training programs.

What is Augmented Reality?

AR is not only a technology but also an experience. Augmented reality is one of the most talked about and important trends in the field of educational technologies recently. The value of AR in the field of educational technologies is expected to exceed $5.3 billion by the end of 2023, offering a pool of opportunities for educational technology initiatives, businesses, and educational institutions.

AR Examples in Corporate Training

Let's take a look at some of the scenarios where you can use augmented reality in your training programs:

1. OHS Training

If you are going to train your employees on occupational health and safety, you can spice up the experience by using AR. All you have to do for this is to present the training in a mobile e-learning application that supports AR.

While employees listen to the training from their phones, they can also hold their phones in various areas of the office or workspace and read the procedures required for their health and safety, and learn what the equipment does.

2. Orientation

Another example of interactive learning with augmented reality is the orientation process. When a new employee comes to the office, it can be difficult to remember the office layout. Employees can see whose desk and room are where by holding their phones at various points in the office, or they can use navigation by entering the person's name.

3. Sales Training

Games are both fun and instructive. For this reason, they are extremely effective in corporate training. Do you remember Pokemon Go? Pokemon Go is one of the first and most successful examples of AR in the gaming industry. Imagine being able to present a real-world scenario to your sales staff in an environment played by animated characters and with fictional customers to train them. You can do this with AR in corporate training!

You can use gamification elements in your application to take the learning experience one step further. For example, in an advanced training, you can implement a system where users can earn points for a badge when they prevent the fictional customer from complaining.

4. Language Learning

AR is designed to suit the needs of learning a new language at home, in the office, or elsewhere. For example, you can learn new words even while walking around a supermarket.

In the corporate world, an AR application developed for language learning allows you to train your employees in many different ways. For example:

• You can place virtual elements such as labels or audio clips next to real-world objects by combining them with object recognition technology.
• You can simulate real-life conversations with animated characters that interact with you through chatbot technology and speech recognition.

Labels and audio clips can teach the foreign language equivalent of each physical object. On the other hand, chatbot conversations allow you to practice pronunciation and fluency on various topics. AR-based language learning applications allow users to learn new words and sentences while exploring their surroundings. In addition, the artificial intelligence-based virtual language teacher understands what the user says and provides feedback on answers and pronunciation.

Why Use AR in E-Learning? Key Advantages

AR applications are generally more expensive than standard training applications because they require more development time and expertise. However, using augmented reality in e-learning is definitely an investment worth the cost. AR applications will definitely increase the effectiveness of your e-learning programs.

1. Engaging and Memorable

The AR application provides users with an interactive learning experience by adding information to their environment. Such an experience is certainly more engaging and also memorable.

For example, you can add links, photos, or videos to the user's office environment to create a scenario with the AR application. You can also encourage the user to play a role in this scenario by choosing an avatar.

2. Efficiency and Productivity

Learning with a less traditional technology like AR is quite effective. Just training