How AR in Education is Changing the Way Kids Learn
Keeping up with the latest technological developments might seem challenging at first. The acceleration of innovations in the last 20 years has made it difficult for certain age groups to adapt to the new tech era. However, there is a fortunate generation born right into the age of technologies like augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI): Gen Z. Often referred to as “digital natives," Gen Z stands out for their unique relationship with technology, experiencing it at every stage of their lives, unlike previous generations.
According to Pew Research, 95% of teens today either own or have access to a smart device, highlighting their seamless integration with the digital world.
Even among younger children, the influence of technology is growing. Data shows that 72% of children aged 8 and under use mobile devices for social media and entertainment. With this level of exposure, parents are increasingly turning to technologies like AR to support their children's cognitive and sensory development. AR, in particular, offers an interactive and engaging way to enhance early education, making learning more immersive and memorable for young minds.
In addition to its role in education, AR is also transforming how families shop. Parents, influenced by their children’s digital experiences, are embracing AR-driven eCommerce platforms that make online shopping more interactive and convenient. From virtual try-ons to interactive product displays, AR is shaping both the learning and purchasing habits of the next generation.
Key Insights
Gen Z and Early Exposure to Technology: Gen Z, often referred to as "digital natives," has grown up in a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into daily life. Their early exposure to devices like smartphones and tablets, combined with their affinity for interactive and engaging content, makes augmented reality (AR) a natural fit for their educational and entertainment needs.
AR in Childhood Education: Augmented reality has revolutionized childhood education by making learning more interactive and engaging. Whether it’s exploring 3D models of historical artifacts or conducting virtual science experiments, AR enhances comprehension by turning abstract concepts into tangible, visual experiences. This not only boosts engagement but also helps children retain information more effectively.
AR Enhancing eCommerce Experiences: In the world of eCommerce, AR is reshaping how parents shop for children’s toys and products. With AR, consumers can explore product features, see how toys work, and even understand the size and functionality of items before purchasing, leading to higher satisfaction and reduced return rates. This creates a more informed and enjoyable shopping experience for parents.
AR Transforming Play and Creativity: AR has also found a significant place in the toy industry. By integrating AR into traditional toys, companies like Lego are offering children a hybrid experience where they can interact with physical toys while engaging with a digital layer of play. This fusion of physical and digital realms encourages creativity and offers a fresh way for children to engage with toys.
Inclusivity Through AR: AR has the potential to make activities more inclusive. For children with physical disabilities who might not be able to participate in traditional sports or play, AR opens new doors for engagement. AR-based solutions like iGYM offer opportunities for all children to participate in games and activities, promoting inclusivity in both education and play.
How AR can be Used in Education
Augmented reality (AR) can be a powerful tool in childhood education by creating immersive, interactive learning experiences that engage students and enhance their understanding of complex concepts. Here are several ways AR can be used in childhood education:
Interactive Learning
AR brings subjects to life by overlaying digital content onto the real world. For example, students can explore 3D models of the solar system, historical artifacts, or biological organisms, making abstract or difficult topics more tangible and easier to grasp.
Enhanced Engagement
AR can turn traditional learning into a more dynamic experience. By gamifying lessons or incorporating AR-based challenges, students stay motivated and attentive, which helps with knowledge retention.
Virtual Field Trips
AR allows students to virtually visit historical sites, museums, or natural wonders without leaving the classroom. This expands their learning experiences beyond the traditional limits of a textbook.
Hands-On Problem Solving
AR can be used for interactive exercises in subjects like math, science, or engineering. For instance, students can use AR to solve puzzles, conduct virtual science experiments, or visualize complex equations, which promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Personalized Learning
AR can adapt to different learning styles and paces, offering customized experiences for individual students. Teachers can use AR to tailor lessons to students' needs, making education more inclusive and accessible.
Collaboration and Social Learning
AR tools can foster collaboration, as students work together on AR-based projects or activities. This helps develop teamwork skills and encourages peer-to-peer learning.
AR in Education: Experience and Learn At The Same Time
Education stands out as one of the main factors that fundamentally affect the way children perceive the world. We can say that AR, which takes its power from its visualization feature, brings innovative approaches to visual learning techniques.
For this reason, providing students with AR experiences in the classroom environment can increase their comprehension skills while keeping students' interest alive with its fun aspect. Seeing a picture of a heart in a science book? Or displaying a beating heart on the desk that you can almost touch?
Or you may want to take a tour around the Sun as the Earth does. Augmented reality will open the doors to a whole new world that is both fun and informative by offering a lifelike experience. This way, the students will remember the course syllabus better and form long-lasting memories.
We have mastered the relationship between books and technology since the release of e-books. Today, books are also compatible with augmented reality. A good example is Zchool, a mobile application that offers a free augmented reality service for children aged 5–13.
You can make printed materials dynamic by reviving the books of contracted publishers with AR infrastructure. Do you consider the actions of "telling a tale" or "listening to a tale" will turn into "showing tales" or "watching tales" in the future?
Similarly, apps like Quiver allow children to observe their creativity in a more tangible way. Using AR technology, Quiver helps children develop the concept of the third dimension by transferring coloring books into the real world.
The imagination of children who paint the human face blue and the sea red by overdoing their creativity finally finds its response in the real world. The surrealist artists of the future have already stepped forward.
AR Commerce & Shopping for Toys
How does augmented reality change the game in eCommerce activities for children's products? Why do consumers tend to use AR services when shopping for kids' items and toys? To answer such questions, let’s take a quick look at the data shared by the global toy manufacturer Mattel.
Augmented reality applications for eCommerce are not just about the positioning of the sofa in your living room. Toys, which are an important part of child development as they are both fun and educational, are also an important category.
According to the "U.S. Shopper Insights Family Life and Shopping During Covid-19 Pandemic" report, consumers used AR when purchasing toys in 2020 due to 5 main reasons:
Understanding how the toy works (52%)
To be able to examine the features of the toy (52%)
Learning more about the toy and its features (46%)
Being able to understand the actual size of the toy (44%)
Being able to see how the child plays with the toy (36%)
As can be understood from the above reasons, improving the user experience with AR is one of the most important aspects of AR commerce.
Companies that offer AR solutions in their e-commerce applications provide their customers with a unique pre-purchase experience, gain significant brand loyalty, and have lower return rates at the end.
Explore and Interact: Augmented Reality Toys
Technology is changing. Children are changing. The games/toys are changing. We do not know in what order these changes will take place, but the only thing we are sure of is that these categories will finally keep up with the latest developments in augmented reality.
Action figures, dolls, and games still lead the way in the toy industry. Although there is still a significant demand for these toys, the manufacturers are struggling to keep of with the latest technological developments in the industry. Augmented reality technology is kind of a breath of fresh air.
The AR-based game developed by Lego, one of the industry giants, is a good example of this. The Hidden Side AR application provides an exciting gaming experience by allowing children to interact with their legos. A ghost hunt that can be carried out with a smartphone or tablet also adds a different dimension to this experience.
Augmented Reality Makes Everyone a Part of the Game
Augmented reality can also help with accessibility, especially in areas like sports. Children who are not able to participate in active sports like their peers can feel left out. AR can solve this problem and pave the way for all children to be a part of the game. Developed for use in schools and collective sports, iGYM invites children with physical disabilities to play with their peers.
The Bottom Line
By incorporating AR solutions into your brand, you will be able to answer many of your customers' questions all at once. The power of visualization offered by AR goes beyond words. It will continue to play a big role in areas like shopping for toys & games, education, physical activities, and more.
You can get detailed information about our AR solutions by contacting our professional team, and meet the world of AR today.
FAQs
How is AR used in childhood education?
AR is used to create interactive learning experiences by overlaying digital elements onto the real world. This helps students grasp complex concepts, engage more deeply with lessons, and retain information through visual and hands-on interaction.
Why is AR beneficial for children's toys and games?
AR adds a new layer of interactivity to toys, allowing children to engage with their toys in both the physical and digital worlds. This enhances creativity, provides educational value, and creates a more immersive play experience.
How does AR enhance the online shopping experience for parents?
AR allows parents to visualize products, understand toy functionality, and gauge the size of items before purchasing. This makes online shopping more interactive, reducing uncertainty and increasing customer satisfaction.
Can AR help children with disabilities?
Yes, AR can provide inclusive experiences by allowing children with physical disabilities to engage in games and activities that they may not otherwise be able to participate in. AR-based tools like iGYM enable all children to be part of the fun.
What is the future of AR in education and play?
The future of AR in education and play is bright, with more companies and educators adopting this technology to create interactive, personalized learning experiences and innovative toys that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
