Augmented Reality (AR) Technologies have long been exciting and interesting, but their practical application – has been limited at best. However, things are starting to change with, with their development and adoption coming a long way in recent years. Although these advancements represent 1% of the change we will see by 2020, we’re truly beginning to see the sheer potential as they enter new industries. Education & therefore Physical Education will be NO different.
Now if you’re still not quite sure what Augmented Reality is, then take a look at the following video which outlines it perfectly.
Over the years I’ve blogged about Augmented Reality and how it’s begun to impact theoretical Physical Education and the teaching of things such as Anatomy. However, we’re now starting to see how this could impact practical situations with Augmented Reality Gaming being a likely contributor.
With this in mind let’s take a look at two incredible augmented reality games that blend technology and physical activity into a truly amazing immersive experience.
You may not remember the blockbuster cartoon from the 1990’s, however, last week saw the release of the eagerly awaited ‘Pokémon Go‘, an augmented-reality game developed for iOS and Android devices. This incredible game allows players to capture, battle, train, and trade virtual Pokémon who appear throughout the real world. Therefore players actually have to move and search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon, level up and defeat gym bosses. This has resulted in thousands of people participating and meeting in a global phenomenon the likes of which we have never seen before. Check out the video to see how it all works
If Pokemon isn’t your thing, then try Ingress which transforms the real world into the landscape for a global game of mystery, intrigue, and competition. A mysterious energy has been unearthed by a team of scientists in Europe. The origin and purpose of this force is unknown, but some researchers believe it is influencing the way we think. We must control it or it will control us. In Ingress you pick a side, either “The Enlightened” whom seek to embrace the power that this energy may bestow upon us while “The Resistance” struggle to defend, and protect what’s left of our humanity.
Move through the real world using your iOS device and the Ingress app to discover and tap sources of this mysterious energy. Acquire objects to aid in your quest, deploy tech to capture territory, and ally with other players to advance the cause of the Enlightened or the Resistance. It truly is an epic real world adventure that requires physical activity. Download it here
So while you may not be convinced yet that Augmented Reality is anything more than a gimmick. You best prepare for this space to continue to develop, become more immersive and at the same time a platform which we can leverage to help communicate our message for lifelong health and activity. Our students will continue to grow up and become accustomed to experiences as deep as what AR can provide. These experiences will start to make some of our archaic classroom practices look painfully boring by comparison.
Keen on learning more? Join the FREE Webinar with certificate focused on using QR Codes & Augmented Reality in PE here
Have you used Augmented Reality before? Have you played Pokemon Go or Ingress yet?
