AR vs QR....

AR vs QR ....

I get asked all the time what is the difference between using a QR code in the classroom verses an augmented reality trigger. QR codes will take you to one item such as a website, document, sound file, a picture, or a video.  It is computer generated and can look like another QR code, unless you label it in some way.  An augmented reality trigger takes the experience to a whole new level.  Any item as long as you make it digital can become a trigger.  Some examples of augmented reality triggers could be your bulletin board, a fundraiser t-shirt, a poster on a wall, student artwork, or a slide to a presentation. The possibilities are literally endless.  With augmented reality you can add multiple items to your trigger and make the experience interactive.

Example of an Augmented Reality Experience:

Your class is reading say the book Charlotte's Web.  Have your students create their own cover of the book that best represents the main idea.  They could use any iPad art app, Google Draw, or even the old crayon and paper tools to create this cover.  If they draw it on paper scan it to make it digital.  Now put that student created work into the Daqri 4D Studio and start adding interactive elements.  You could add a video clip of the student explaining or comparing the book to a real life situation. You can also add a link to the author's website along with a student created presentation of some kind of the student retailing the story.  You could even add a slideshow of all the artwork or illustrations for the book the student created representing the characters, rise in action, the climax, and the solution.

Once your students are done you can hang their book covers in the hallway with a little note that says "Scan with the Daqri app to learn more about Charlotte's Web.".

Which experience would you like to have?  Would you like to scan a QR code and visit the author's website or scan a student created book cover and have multiple elements you can interact with.

Apps/Resources:

• Daqri - iTunes
• Daqri - Google Play
• Google + AR Group - Feel Free to Join