Augmented reality: a new tool for vocational training

Published on July 3, 2018

Augmented reality: a new tool for vocational training

After invading sectors such as industry, leisure and retail, augmented reality is now taking over vocational training. This technology is now mature enough to offer an enriching experience for the student and thus an added value for pedagogy.

Proven Augmented Reality teaching tools

The augmented reality projection allows the student's work to be checked. Indeed, with a transparency option, the teacher can superimpose the 3D model on the student's work. This makes it easy to detect faults and to make the student's mistakes clear.

Augmented reality in education is not a real novelty. Indeed, some middle school classes are already using augmented reality tools experimentally. It is above all a complement, especially to create a renewed interest of the students by letting them interact and experiment freely with the contents. Several solutions have already been tested and the findings are clear: the playful and innovative aspect irremediably captures the attention of users and provokes a better commitment on their part. This type of tool is mainly used for subjects such as technology, science and history.

Apple, in its communication campaign around its augmented reality platform ARkit, is also widely promoting these applications for learning. Several videos presenting content intended for the learning of the youngest are also highlighted on the official website of the Californian giant.

Whether in the wood or construction sectors, the observation of vocational training teachers is simple: the students had great difficulty mentally constructing a 3D representation of their study material. Indeed, as they usually work on prototypes, they must first conceptualize the study project before actually carrying it out.

This is where Urbasee and his augmented reality comes in. By giving the possibility to visualize the study project in 3D, the students create this mental representation for themselves. In front of them appears the project in augmented reality, reduced or real size depending on the need.

The reduced size visualization allows to share on the study support during the phases of deepening in progress. The full-size visual ization (scale 1) gives a concrete overview of the project. The pupils have the final project in front of them and see the size of the work before they complete it. Just look through the tablet or smartphone, move around the project, and observe more precisely what you want from any point of view.

In addition, the transparency of the 3D model at scale 1 proposed by URBASEE allows for the self-evaluation of each student. Indeed, with this feature, it is possible to superimpose a 3D model on a construction. The learner can thus easily detect faults and understand his or her mistakes.

Beyond the purely technical advantages, the playful aspect of this type of application develops student engagement.

Augmented reality has not finished surprising us! After its first breakthrough in education with comprehension tools for the youngest in secondary school, it is now the older generation that is taking advantage of it in vocational training, particularly in manual fields. The advantages of this technology can no longer be ignored. Several vocational schools have already taken advantage of it and are gradually transforming student practices. For the moment, they are used in the wood and construction sectors, augmented reality is going to have a lasting effect on learning especially during vocational training!