Enhancing Education with Augmented Reality

Embracing Digital Tools in Distance Learning

In the wake of COVID-19 and Distance Learning, teachers have worked tirelessly to adapt and expand their digital skills, ensuring engaging learning experiences for their students. Beyond video calls, online activities, and assessments, the challenge was finding new ways to engage students effectively.

The iPad: A Key Tool for Innovation in the Classroom

Since the summer of 2020, teachers at ACS Cobham have embraced the iPad as a key tool in the classroom. What started as a tool for basic teaching quickly expanded into a means of creating immersive learning experiences. As teachers grew more confident in their digital skills, they began developing their own resources, videos, and materials tailored to their students’ needs.

The Power of Augmented Reality in Education

One of the most exciting developments has been the incorporation of Augmented Reality (AR) into teaching. AR has added a new dimension to learning, making lessons more engaging and interactive. Teachers have used AR to design experiences that captivate students, such as AR Scavenger Hunts, interactive 3D objects, and immersive simulations like the Polar Express for Early Childhood students.

Innovative AR Projects at ACS Cobham

Teachers have used AR to create diverse learning experiences. In Lower School, students built their own AR book museums and took video tours of their favourite texts. A standout project included an AR Escape Room focused on Ancient Mesopotamia, designed to deepen students’ understanding of the subject while engaging them with technology in a fun and meaningful way.

Ongoing Professional Development for Future Growth

At ACS Cobham, the journey of integrating AR and iPads into the curriculum is far from over. With ongoing professional development from Apple Professional Specialists, teachers continue to develop their skills and explore new ways to use technology in the classroom. This commitment to innovation ensures that AR will remain a permanent and transformative tool in education.

Empowering Teachers for the Future of Education

The innovative use of Augmented Reality and iPads at ACS Cobham is just the beginning. As we continue to empower our teaching staff, we are shaping the future of education by integrating technology in ways that enhance learning, spark creativity, and engage students like never before.

Lyndsey Stuttard, ACS Cobham Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist