What is Aurasma? Ideas for the Classroom

Aurasma is an augmented reality app available for iOS and Android devices.  Recently, I used this app in a technology course that we offer at Grant Wood AEA for classroom teachers.  What is augmented reality?  A popular example of augmented reality is Google Glass.  Google Glass changes your normal visual reality. It is overlaid with information or other media.  The Aurasma app accomplishes this by overlaying video over what your device is pointed at by the use of a trigger.  This can be difficult to verbalize, so the following video will help with an explanation of Aurasma.

Pretty cool, right?  How can I use this in the classroom?  In the C21 course with Amber Bridge, my co-instructor, and I created an Aurasma scavenger hunt at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.  We then took our C21 class there on a field trip.  The class scanned items in the library with their mobile device and a video of us speaking appeared.  In the video, we highlighted the area they were in and pointed them to their next location.  If you are ever at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, you can follow our public aurasma.  Search for jasonelliottmarshall in the aurasma app and then follow the Cedar Rapids Library Scavenger Hunt.  


If you are not able to take your class on a field trip, here are some ideas for using Aurasma in the classroom.

1. Back-to-school night art walk - Create videos of students talking about their artwork.  Hang the artwork around the building, and parents will be able to use the artwork as a trigger to hear the artist describe their work.  
   
   
2. Parent / teacher conferences - Similar to above, during a parent / teacher conference when showing student work to the parent, use the work as a trigger for the parent to view an Aurasma of the student describing what they are seeing.
   
   
3. Library book reviews - Create Aurasma book reviews for the library collection.  Students can watch the review by scanning the cover.
   
   
4. Homework solutions and assistance - Give video assistance or solutions to homework by using the problem as a trigger.
   
   
5. Building tours - Showcase areas of your building by using building features as triggers.  You can even brand the Aurasma or in-bed the functionality inside your own app.
   
   
6. Many companies are using Aurasma’s as part of marketing campaigns.  Jostens has added the functionality to yearbooks they produce for schools.  
   
   

Here is a link to the Aurasma home page.  

http://www.aurasma.com/#/whats-your-aura

You can create your Aurasmas on the fly from your device or set up an account to use their Aurasma studio.  I hope you find Aurasma’s take on augmented reality as exciting as I do.  


~Jason Marshall, Technology Consultant