Augmented Reality In Education: Current Examples From Classrooms And Campuses

by TeachThought Staff

Augmented reality (AR) has shifted from novelty to credible practice. It now supports inquiry, simulation, and visualization across K–20 education and professional training.

Recent research shows consistent short-term gains in engagement and conceptual understanding when AR is well designed, though gaps remain in access, teacher readiness, and long-term outcomes.

1. QR-Linked AR In Saudi K–12 Textbooks

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education embeds QR codes in textbooks to launch brief AR visualizations. A 2022 study found that students using AR-enhanced materials outperformed peers taught with traditional methods ¹.

The results suggest national-level AR integration is achievable when technical and curricular alignment are prioritized.

2. Tablet-Based AR For Human Anatomy

In 2023, a feasibility study with 236 premedical students used tablet-based 3D and AR anatomy models. Learners reported higher engagement and clarity compared to text-only instruction, though retention differences were minimal ².

The study highlights AR’s strength for immediate comprehension but limited evidence for long-term recall.

3. Marker-Based AR In Chinese Science Education

A 2025 systematic review examined AR in Chinese science classrooms, where students visualized chemical and physical processes using marker-based apps ⁶.

Teachers observed greater participation and curiosity, though most studies were short-term and lacked longitudinal follow-up.

4. Outdoor Language Learning With ARLang

ARLang overlays bilingual text and audio on real-world objects to support vocabulary learning. In a 2024 study, students using ARLang were more engaged and faster to recall new terms than peers using flashcards ⁷.

The project demonstrates how mobile AR can tie language to place and context.

5. Cultural Heritage And Museum Learning

The National Park Service’s Statue of Liberty app layers archival imagery and structural views over the monument. It provides a field-based learning experience that blends history, design, and symbolism ⁸.

While formal research is limited, this large-scale example shows AR’s potential for museum and heritage education.

6. Environmental And Field-Based Learning

Researchers now combine AR with GIS data to visualize environmental change in situ. A 2024 study found AR-supported fieldwork improved spatial understanding and data interpretation ¹⁶.

Students used tablets to see real-time overlays of climate and pollution data, strengthening connections between analysis and place.

7. Special Education And Neurodiverse Learners

A 2025 review found AR improved engagement and task performance for students with disabilities ¹⁰. Earlier meta-analyses identified AR as effective for teaching social and academic skills to students with autism ¹¹.

Visual prompts and social simulations appear most promising when integrated with teacher feedback and scaffolding.

8. Vocational And Technical Training

In industrial and vocational settings, AR overlays maintenance instructions directly onto machinery. A 2024 study reported a 50% reduction in assembly errors and 25% faster completion times ⁹.

Boeing’s AR training for aircraft wiring demonstrates similar efficiency gains and lower training costs.

9. Collaborative And Engineering Learning

A 2025 review found AR supports shared attention and joint problem-solving in group settings ¹². At the University of Bristol, engineering students manipulate AR models together during design activities ¹⁵.

Such applications suggest AR is especially useful for visualizing complex spatial relationships.

10. Teacher Education And Mixed-Reality Simulations

Mixed-reality platforms like Mursion use AR and avatars to help preservice teachers rehearse classroom management. Studies report higher self-efficacy and reflective capacity following repeated sessions ^{13, 14}.

These simulations offer realistic practice environments and are increasingly used in inclusive education training.

What The Evidence Suggests

Across domains, AR’s educational impact depends on design, not novelty. Studies confirm short-term motivation and comprehension benefits but less evidence of durable conceptual change ^{3, 4, 5}.

Future research must clarify when and for whom AR strengthens learning, emphasizing equity, access, and teacher professional growth.