With the growing access to augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), students can now go on interactive field trips with an ease never experienced before. Highly sought-out destinations can now be accessed in the comforts of our schools and homes. This technology allows for more global understanding and collaboration. Its uses include:

Arizona State University’s Virtual Field Trips

ASU’s Virtual Field Trip Program allows students to be shown a variety of locations and share their history.

• Field trips can happen more often in schools, cutting down on costs and the preparation needed.
• Students can explore at their own pace and interests without the risk of getting lost.
• Students can gain a deeper understanding of geological features and the cultures surrounding them.
• Students with a tendency towards poor health can participate with their peers without exclusion.

Geological and Cultural Awareness

Using AI and AR allows students to compare and contrast unfamiliar surroundings with those they are used to.

• Students can figure out whether specific locations experience similar weather and weather occurrences as them.
• Students can determine whether the typical flora and fauna matches environment where they live.

• Students can compare popular food locations and whether they are similar or different.
• Students can examine any potential differences between popular transportation types.

Travelling Through Time

Augmented reality and artificial intelligence allows students to travel to the past, as well as the present. Users can travel to historical sites to get a glimpse into what life on Earth used to be.

• Students can travel to fossil sites to examine old organisms that used to roam the Earth.
• Teachers can put into perspective the connection between students and old relics in a more-grounded way.
• Students can solve their own questions through hands-on experiences.

Because technology is ever improving and becoming accessible, I’m sure AI and AR can be implemented into classrooms in so many more ways.

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