Aurasma, currently known as HP Reveal, is an innovative augmented reality (AR) application that transforms 2-D digital experiences into 3-D digital experiences. I explored the affordances of Aurasma and considered multifaceted ways that it could optimize educational technology integration in classrooms. After downloading this free application, I was able to use the Aurasma viewfinder, which works similarly to 3-D glasses to convert 2-D images into 3-D images via my cell phone. As my phone zoomed in on the target images on my laptop, the images automatically converted into mobile 3-D images, which made them more fascinating.

The first target image that I used with Aurasma was the Back to the Future image. As I selected this target image, a 3-D image of the Delorean car from Back to the Future appeared, and a 3-D version began to float around on the screen simulating a highlight of the Back to the Future movie. In addition, an audio narrative discussed the time travel capabilities of the Delorean. This was an intriguing AR experience that enhanced the entertainment qualities of the movie, while providing informative digital content.

The Aurasma application also provided target images related to non-fiction information regarding the historical aspects of airplanes such as the DC-3 and B-25D. As the target airplane image was highlighted, a 3-D slide appeared that displayed a fun fact regarding the history of the DC-3. This can be an awesome tool for educators to leverage in the domain of history in K-12 settings and higher education. Some learners may perceive historical facts to be mundane. This application can add an entertaining and technological aspect to history lessons that can engage more diverse learners in the digital age.

I was interested in researching various ways that Aurasma is being implemented in various educational settings. Therefore, I searched for videos on YouTube to explore more divergent ways of implementing AR in the classroom. One video that stood out to me was on Charles Cooper’s YouTube channel, entitled, “Teaching with Aurasma.” It showed a variety of ways that educators’ can leverage Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) via Aurasma and enhance technology integration in meaningful ways. One example was an instructor having a bulletin board displaying students’ work of typical writings on paper. However, AR was enhanced a traditional bulletin board by transforming the displayed papers of students’ work into target images in Aurasma. As a result, the bulletin board was transformed into an AR experience. Students were able to use their smartphones to highlight target images on the bulletin board, then an AR video would appear that provided additional video recorded presentations of students presenting their ideas. This multimodal experience is powerful because it adheres to visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic learning styles. The video also displayed a way to transform typical vocabulary cards used in primary reading instruction into an AR experience, which will engage more learners and assist with learning important vocabulary.

Aurasma is a dynamic and innovative augmented reality application that can transform educational technology for students. It has the capability to become more ubiquitous as educational technology continues to expand. AR may evolve into incorporating holograms of instructors teaching courses for students in the future. I am excited to apply it to the field of educational technology and watch its progression and evolution in education.