Topic 5: Augmented Reality with Plantale

Augmented Reality (AR) is when real-world data and virtual data co-exist in the same place and time, meaning users perceive the real world through a virtual overlay (Bower et al., 2014). The image below is an example of AR created using ZapWorks. Scan the QR code to have a look!

AR done using ZapWorks. Scan the QR code to have a look!

In the past, AR relies heavily on head-mounted displays. However, today AR can be experienced using accessible technological tools like computers or mobile devices, meaning schools can easily use them as part of children’s education (Akçayır & Akçayır., 2017). So, AR technology works by inserting digital content into a real environment and it is accessible on mobile devices. Let’s show how this works using the AR education technology tool Plantale.

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Plantale is an app in Apple Store that allow users to view the growth stages of a plant and specific anatomies in plants that are not visible to the naked eye. The app accesses a phone's camera, and once the camera is on a flat surface in your real environment, you will see a virtual plant grow on your mobile device screen. It is most suitable for Stage 1 students to learn science, where students will explore and describe features of living things, like plants, according to the NSW education standards authority (n.d.).

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Could Plantale foster creativity?

It could expose students to new ideas of plants, achieving mini-c creativity level. Mini-c creativity is when students make new and meaningful interpretations, ideas and insights (Helfand et al., 2017). For example after using Plantale, students would be able to use new ways to describe the feature of plants, like how leaves are not just one layer but instead is 2 layers of epidermis, as shown in the YouTube video above. Therefore, AR tool Plantale could foster student’s creativity in allowing them to develop new interpretations on plants.

In saying this, Plantale focuses heavily on information provision instead of creation, as shown in the video mentioned earlier. This means that the app focuses on providing students information on plants. As such, students do not develop higher order integrative thinking skills like analysis, evaluation, and creation with this tool. Also, overemphasis on information provision could stop students from thinking critically and applying knowledge creatively and meaningfully (Bower et al., 2014).

Furthermore, although Plantale is accessible on mobile devices, it can only be accessed on Apple devices, and is exclusively for iOS 12. This means that students who do not own iOS 12 Apple devices or use android devices need to rely on school-provided Apple devices.

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Reference List

Akçayır, M. & Akçayır, Gökçe. (2017). Advantages and challenges associated with augmented reality for education: a systematic review of the literature. Educational Research Review, 20, 1-11. DOI: 10.1016/j.edurev.2016.11.002

Bower, M., Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented reality in education- cases, places and potentials. Education Media International, 51(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2014.889400

Cooke, A. (2018, November 8). 2018 iPad Pro Plantale AR demonstration [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFx2RBevi90&t=1s

Helfand, M., Kaufman, J. C., & Beghetto, R. A. (2017). The Four-C Model of Creativity: Culture and Context. In V. Glăveanu (Ed.), The Palgrave Handbook of Creativity and Culture Research. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi-org.simsrad.net.ocs.mq.edu.au/10.1057/978-1-137-46344-9_2

NSW Education Standards Authority. (n.d.). Living World Stage 1. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/science/science-and-technology-k-6-new-syllabus/content/2762