Augmented Reality (AR)

   Augmented reality is the technology that expands our physical world, adding layers of digital information onto it. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), AR does not create the whole artificial environments to replace real with a virtual one. AR appears in direct view of an existing environment and adds sounds, videos, graphics to it. A view of the physical real-world environment with superimposed computer-generated images, thus changing the perception of reality, is the AR.

   AR can be displayed on various devices: screens, glasses, handheld devices, mobile phones, head-mounted displays. It involves technologies like S.L.A.M. (simultaneous localization and mapping), depth tracking (briefly, a sensor data calculating the distance to the objects), and the following components:

• Cameras and sensors. Collecting data about user’s interactions and sending it for processing. Cameras on devices are scanning the surroundings and with this info, a device locates physical objects and generates 3D models. It may be special duty cameras, like in Microsoft Hololens, or common smartphone cameras to take pictures/videos.
• Processing. AR devices eventually should act like little computers, something modern smartphones already do. In the same manner, they require a CPU, a GPU, flash memory, RAM, Bluetooth/WiFi, a GPS, etc. to be able to measure speed, angle, direction, orientation in space, and so on.
• Projection. This refers to a miniature projector on AR headsets, which takes data from sensors and projects digital content (result of processing) onto a surface to view. In fact, the use of projections in AR has not been fully invented yet to use it in commercial products or services.
• Reflection. Some AR devices have mirrors to assist human eyes to view virtual images. Some have an “array of small curved mirrors” and some have a double-sided mirror to reflect light to a camera and to a user’s eye. The goal of such reflection paths is to perform a proper image alignment.

 Credit: (https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/what-is-augmented-reality/)

In our instructional technologies and material design class, we also created an AR. At the beginning of the class, we downloaded the app HP Reveal, which helped us to see our created ARs. Then, our instructor gave as a paper consisting of animal pictures and wanted us to create an AR in the app. 

We started with taking a photo of an animal in the paper, then we searched the thing that we wanted to appear when we scan that picture. After these stages, we shared it in our private or public auras. Whenever we zoom in the picture, we can see it moving. 

In order to understand it better, you can watch my videos below. 

Padlet: An Amazing Tool for Education

Padlet is a free, online "virtual wall" tool where users can express thoughts on topics of their choice. It's like a piece of paper, but on the Web. 

YOU CAN :

• Add posts with one click, copy-paste, or drag and drop. 
• Autosave the changes.
• Simply share links which allows for quick collaboration.
• Work in 29 languages, with more being added.
• Collaborate on padlets from around the globe.
• Invite others to contribute - signup not required.
• Work with unlimited contributors.
• Allow others to remake your work to use as a template.
• Upload files from your computer, take a picture or video from your phone, or link from the web.
• Post images, documents, videos, music, and files from Photoshop, Illustrator, Autocad, and more.
• Embed content from anywhere on the web, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Vimeo, The New York Times, and 400 other apps.
• Attach links and files which will appear with a gorgeous contextual preview to give viewers a hint of what you’re showing them.
• Find it on iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch), Android, and Kindle devices.
• Choose from colorful wallpaper choices that range from cute animations to professional wood, cork, or chalkboard.
• Pick a theme that fits your writing sensibility, from comic-book to typewriter.
• Publish your work to the world when you are ready.
• Export as PDF, CSV, Image, or Excel File.
• Search for padlets on specific topics.

  I also created a padlet. It was easy to make so I didn't have any trouble while making it. One another advantage is that it is also free for 3 padlets. If you want to use the app more, you can purchase it with paying a considerable amount of money. The fact that you can attach photos, links are also a plus because it will be beneficial for the learner who learn by seeing and whose visual memory is more dominant. 

  This app is reliable and effective tool for both the teachers and the students. Teachers can create a padlet and present it to their student in the classroom. The students can also create to reinforce their knowledge about a topic or use it while making a presentation. The fact that others also can collaborate, can contribute to your padlet is what it makes more charming. Students can work in pairs or in groups, which also can assist in providing social connections. 

You can click the link and review my padlet → My Padlet