We live in the times of constant technological development, where new devices and solutions are sprouting up nearly every day. Our children have the mindsets we didn’t have when we were their age. Our kids are early technology adopters with minds capable of perceiving information in completely new ways.
In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended no TV at all for kids under 2 and only two hours a day for older kids. But that was before smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles even appeared. Today it’s almost impossible for an average adult to stay away from these technology advances. Just count how many tech devices you have at home.
Back in 2001, Marc Prensky warned us, "Our students have changed radically. Today's students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach." He went on to describe how these "digital natives" are being exposed to more gadgets and technology than was ever thought possible. This is having a profound effect on the ways in which children learn. They are more engaged in learning when using the latest technological gadgets, because it is what they are most used to interacting with. Our students don't just want mobile learning, they need it.
Modern adults can not imagine their life without smartphones, tablets and personal computers. And since imitation is a major development milestone for little children, they can't stay away from gadgets, while their parents are always online on their iPhones and iPads.
Luckily, today, we have the emerging technology of Augmented Reality that combines learning with entertainment and takes it to a whole new level while making use of smartphones and tablets. It allows to integrate virtual objects into the real world and provide visual and interactive learning capabilities. Unlike regular mobile apps, AR technology encourage kids to learn about their surroundings and explore everyday objects in an exciting new way. Augmented Reality app often comes with a physical product that can be "enhanced" through a smartphone's or tablet's camera
When it comes to printed products there is a wide range of AR coloring books, encyclopedias, storybooks, flashcards, posters and puzzles. Such products made by DEVAR, entertain and educate kids at the same time using a brand new visual approach. Augmented Reality coloring books allow kids to bring their colorings to life while developing their motor skills in the process. Seeing favorite cartoon characters playing around in their bedroom brings kids unforgettable emotions.
Any educator knows that learning doesn't include just reading and writing. It should have creative and interactive elements as well. The ability of Augmented Reality to connect reality and digital content has a huge potential to engage students and motivate them to study. For example, AR Encyclopedias and flashcards make complex schematics and difficult subject easier to comprehend with visual 3D models and interactive tasks and exercises.
Implementing new approaches to education today, will help new generations by providing them with instruments and technologies that will give them competitive advantage in their future professions. Statistics say that by the year 2030 many traditional professions will disappear, so smart parents buy products that seem potentially useful for the future of their children and wise companies are catching this trend right now.