10 Fun augmented reality apps for teachers to use in the classroom

Augmented Reality, or AR. It's just like it sounds: a bit "techy". It can scare you a little bit as times changes rapidely. As a teacher, you have to learn how to handle new EdTech tools every year, and it's not going to stop. Who knows what "next big thing" is going to take over education technext year?

In this fast-changing landscape, AR is becoming more present in classrooms every day. To stay ahead, it is important to understand the impact this technology can have on your lessons and how it can enrich the learning experience.

In this blog post, I'll show you some astonishing AR apps for teachers. I'll also provide you with some practical AR lesson ideas, so you can get started right away.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a visual and sometimes interactive experience in a real-world environment where the objects in the real-world are "augmented" by computer-generated perceptual information. These virtual enhancements can be visual or auditory, creating an immersive learing envirmont for students.

10 Augmented reality apps for the classroom

These 10 augmented reality apps for teachers are easy to use. I've chosen free augmented reality apps for in the classroom, as well as augmented reality apps that you have to pay for. I included these AR apps in the list because they are the perfect fit for your classroom. Don't forget to check out the augmented reality lesson ideas I give you below!

1. Blippar

Blippar is an augmented reality tool where users use a smartphone or tablet to scan images or objects that are linked to digital content. When scanned, additional content appears, such as videos, animations, explanations, or links to websites. This can be used to create interactive materials, such as classroom posters that come to life when viewed through the app.

2. Delightex edu

This app is an AR content creation app for students. With Delightex, students can build their own 3D objects and animate them with code. Students can explore any creations with the VR and AR view modes. It's perfect for STEM and coding lessons, especially when paired with the MERGE cube.

3. DEVAR

DEVAR is an augmented reality app that brings interactive 3D objects and scenes to life in your environment. Students can explore animated models, play mini-games, and learn about science, math, and history through immersive AR experiences. They can manipulate objects, zoom in, and see concepts from all angles, making lessons more engaging and hands-on.

4. Zappar

With this augmented reality software, you can bring worksheets, posters, cards, or any other printed material to life with interactive AR content, including 3D models, videos, mini-games, and quizzes! Imagine what this app can do to make your classroom lessons more engaging and hands-on.

5. Shapes 3D

Use this AR app for math, or more specifically, to teach geometry. Create prisms, pyramids, solids of revolution and Platonic solids. Start easy with simple figures and gradually explore the most complex ones.

This AR tool wants to enhance the teacher's capabilities and provide possibilities to show things that cannot be shown with physical tools or whithin the classroom.

6. Nearpod VR

Nearpod VR offers a mix of VR and 360° experiences and allows a teacher to guide students through virtual field trips, pointing out interesting sites and educational highlights along the way. It includes a wide range of lessons covering history, science, geography, and culture. Download the free Nearpod app and let your students explore immersive 360° environments right from their phones or tablets. This mobile VR app is available for iOS and Android..

7. Foxar

With the FoxAR app, students can explore interactive 3D models in augmented reality, such as the solar system, the human body, and various scientific phenomena. They can place these models in their own environment, zoom in, rotate them, and learn through hands-on visual interaction. This makes lessons more engaging and helps students better understand complex concepts.

8. Snapchat

Believe it or not, but almost every snapchat filter is based on AR technology. You can place filters over pictures and make them stand out. Students can also make their own augmented reality filters.

9. Google Translate

Yes, you're reading it right. Google Translate has some AR features as well. Download the app and use it to translate words on objects. All you need to do is point the device towards an object that displays a word and you’ll get a real-time translation.

10. AR Makr

AR Makr is a creative toolbox for augmented reality. With this app, students can sketch, scan, and snap the environment around them. Let them transform creations from 2D to 3D virtual objects. When you've created a 3D AR object, you can place your creations anywhere in your environment. Students can also record, save, and share scenes with their teacher.

10 Crazy lesson ideas with augmented reality

Using augmented reality in the classroom can be a real game changer. You'll see that students will find this an exciting experience and will be more motivated to learn with augmented reality.

1. Book review

Students can create videos explaining the book they are reading. They can make one video per chapter or a single video for the whole book. For creative projects, students can also draw something that represents each chapter and then record a video explaining their drawings.

Once the videos and drawings are ready, the teacher (or students) can upload the images and videos to Blippar Studio. Each book cover or chapter drawing becomes a “trigger” that will show the video when scanned.

Now for the fun part, students take their phones or tablets, open the Blippar app, and scan the book covers or chapter drawings. The videos will appear on their screens, letting everyone explore the book in an interactive way. Students can walk around the classroom, scan, and discover the stories behind each book or chapter, making reading and reviewing more engaging and visual.

2. Interactive wall

Do you have a free wall somewhere in a school hallway? Cover it with headshots of all the teachers in your school. Each teacher can record a short video introducing themselves or answering a big educational question.

Once the videos are ready, upload the headshots and videos to Blippar Studio, linking each video to the corresponding teacher photo. On the first day of school or during open days, students and parents can use the Blippar app to scan the pictures and watch the videos appear on their devices.

You can do the same with images representing your school’s courses. Ask teachers and students to make a video showing what they are learning in that course. Then upload the images and videos to Blippar Studio, creating an AR “layer” over each course image. This allows new students and parents to explore what your school has to offer in a fun, interactive way.

3. Discover the world

Use Nearpod to take your students on virtual field trips where they can explore historical landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural sites without leaving the classroom. Guide them through these experiences while highlighting key elements and adding interactive questions to keep students engaged and deepen their understanding.

4. Spatial awareness

Let students rebuild an object using the Shapes 3D augmented reality app. Take for example a little toy car. What shapes can be used to rebuild it? It will help them develop a better spatial awareness.

5. Reading comprehension

Use AR Makr to add some augmented reality effects to books. As a teacher you can create them yourself. These could be video's or just "floating" questions you can ask your students.

When your students go through the book, they scan the pages and see the questions about the book they have to answer. It's a fun way to use AR for reading comprehension. Here's an example.

6. Breakout games

Use Delightex edu to create your own interactive story or classroom challenge. You can add 3D objects and characters that ask questions about your lesson material. Students can explore the space, find clues, and interact with objects to move through the story. This way, you can create a fun, immersive, and interactive learning experience right in the classroom!

You can also let your students create an augmented reality tour of the school. Using Delightex edu, they can place 3D objects and interactive elements throughout classrooms and hallways. That way, future students and their parents can explore the school in a fun and creative way, while your students get to work on a big, hands-on project.

7. Snapchat filters of geniuses

There are a lot of important people that achieved great things. Ask your students to make a snapchat AR filter about the person. For example, let them create an Einstein filter and add important things that represent him or his work.

8. Listening and reading comprehension

Let your students explore listening and reading comprehension through interactive AR experiences using DEVAR-supported books. While exploring 3D objects, provide short audio explanations or texts that students need to listen to or read carefully. After the activity, ask comprehension questions based on this input so students actively develop both listening and reading skills in a meaningful and engaging context.

9. New Year's letter

How cool would it be if your students could create a New Year's Letter and share their best wishes with their loved ones through an augmented reality video or a 3D interactive message? Use the Zappar app to create a New Year’s message with your students. Students design a short video or creative message sharing their best wishes. The teacher collects the content and links each message to a trigger image or QR code. When scanned with the Zappar app, the AR messages appear as videos or 3D interactive content. This way, students create a memorable and interactive AR experience to share with others.

10. Translate a menu

Students have to learn to carry on daily life in a foreign country with a foreign language. That's not always easy. When you're on a classroom trip in a restaurant, let your student use the Google Translate app and translate the menu. They will learn a lot of new words and recognize words they have already learned.

Wrap Up

That's it! I hope you now have enough augmented reality projects to work on with your students. With a little bit creativity, you can make amazing things and prepare students for the future. Share this post with other future minded teachers. Thanks!

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