Journal 3/MI

Raphael, R. (2011). Abracadabra - it's augmented reality. Learning and Leading with Technology,38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx


Abracadabra, is about a technology called augmented reality.  To me it sounds as if this technology is a bit like a hologram.  This technology is what we see when we watch NFL games on TV and there is a yellow first down line projected on the TV to show where the line would be approximately.  Also, if you have ever been to Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion ride has a mirror at the end where you see some sort of ghoul magically appear next to you in your carriage.  In the case of the Haunted Mansion ride, I never really thought of the little trick as technology but I have often wondered how they got that yellow line on the field when it wasn't really there!  There are already ways to use this technology to interact with our environment and it can be used to display images such as solar systems, restaurant menus or even social networking information on people we meet.


How can this technology be used in the classroom?


I think it would be extremely creative to use this technology in the classroom to display images.  For instance, a lesson in astronomy could actually be projected using walls and ceilings to give a feel of being in space.  I am sure there will be many more ways to use this technology and I plan on keeping an eye out to see how it develops within education.


Are there any problems that could arise from using this technology in the classroom?


Although using cutting edge technology in the classroom is very important to me, I wonder if the resources will ever be available to public school.  As it is, technology is already very outdated in most classrooms.  Although having the technology available for students to experience things such as Zooburst may be difficult, I still hope to be able to use this technology from my viewpoint to present information to the students.