8 Excellent Augmented Reality Apps for iPad

In this post Educational Technology and Mobile Learning is providing you with a list of some awesome augmented reality apps for your iPad but before that let us first see what the concept of augmented reality is all about .

Augmented reality is a relatively new digital phenomenon that is brought about by the recent development in the field of  technology and particularly mobile technology. In augmented reality the line between the virtual world and the real one is blurred. Engineers use some sophisticated technologies to pull out graphics from television screen and computer display and integrate them into real world environments. Augmented reality spices up the natural world with computer enhanced sounds, graphics, and feedback.If we are to put augmented reality in a continuum that has in one end computer generated environments and in the other end real world environments then augmented reality would be closer to the latter.

Though it is still relatively early to talk about the impact of augmented reality on education and learning in particular, some educators have already started foreseeing its integration into the classroom, and according to Paul Hamilton  there are several reasons for this  :

•  Augmented Reality links knowledge/content with relevant visual imagery. Something that traditional links and QR codes don't do.

•  Augmented Reality personalizes learning, especially when utilizing video as the Aura's.

•  It utilizes mobile devices, in a year when there is a definite shift away from laptops to iPads and mobile devices.

• It harnesses the concept of inquiry based learning, allowing students use their natural desire and instinct to explore and investigate.

• It gets bums (bottoms) off seats. 

Check out the  augmented reality apps below 

 1- Science AR

"Science AR is the Augmented Reality App for schools. Makes the Science AR posters come alive. This App works in conjunction with the Science AR posters. Not in isolation."

 2- Star Walk

"Star Walk is the most beautiful stargazing app you’ve ever seen on a mobile device. It will become your go-to interactive guide to the sky above, following your every movement in real-time and allowing you to identify over 200, 000 celestial bodies with extensive information about stars and constellations that you find. "

3- Theodolite HD

"Theodolite HD is a cool multi-function augmented reality app for the iPad that serves as a compass, GPS, map, zoom camera (photo & movie), rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. "

4- Star Chart

"You can now have a virtual star chart in your pocket. Look through the eyes of your iPhone or iPad* to see a virtual window into the whole visible universe.

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5- Sun Seeker

"Provides a FLAT VIEW COMPASS and an AUGMENTED REALITY CAMERA 3-D VIEW showing the solar path, its hour intervals, its winter and summer solstice paths, rise and set times and more and a MAP VIEW showing solar direction for each daylight hour."

6- Virtual History Roma

"The format provides the viewer with an astonishing insight into Roman civilization, using innovative functions and multimedia content: from the spectacular digital reconstruction of the city's statues to breathtaking aerial views of the metropolis as it stood 2,000 years ago, from the manipulation of models of the legionaries, gladiators and war engines to the 3D exploration of monuments"

7- Anatomy 4D

"4D Anatomy allows viewers to understand and interact with complex information with unprecedented ease, speed, and depth. Visually stunning and completely interactive, augmented reality is the perfect vehicle for 21st century education. "

8- SnapShop Showroom

"Visualize furniture in your own home using augmented reality. SnapShop gives you confidence that a sofa or chair looks great in your living room before you buy. Whether you're looking for a new couch, or just having fun coming up with ideas for a future remodel, SnapShop is the perfect tool to imagine how it might look and get feedback from friends. "