The 2010 Horizon Report, published by the New Media Consortium, predicts that within 2-3 years simple augmented reality will be mainstream in education.  So, what is simple augmented reality?  Well, let's simply start with "augmented reality".  To "augment" something means that you add to it, or make it greater.  Augmenting reality creates the illusion that virtual objects are present in the real world (Cawood & Fiala, 2007)  Simple augmented reality refers to  AR that does not need complicated specialize equipment (like headgear), but the type of technology that can be used on mobile devices like smartphones.  It overlays information on to reality.  The information is digital (bytes), the reality is the objects (atoms). (Weinberger, 2008).

Imagine pointing the camera in your phone at a beautiful scene.  You see the scene in the LCD display window, and on top of the scene you see labels telling you the names of objects in the scene and information about them.  You could be walking through the Bastille section of Paris, and by simply pointing your handheld device at various buildings you can get the name and history of the building.  Maybe you can even get information regarding the architecture and the architect who designed it.

Augmented reality provides us with instant information regarding the environment we are in.  We don't have to google the area to get information, it is all there instantly.  In addition, AR can bring virtual objects in your space, so you can see history happening, or see a 3D image of a machine running on a piece of paper in  your hand.  Sound wild, hopefully you'll enjoy this web site and come away amazed at what awaits us in the very near future.