AR-Augmented Reality

AR is a technology that superimposes digital information, such as images, sounds, and videos, onto the real world.


AR is commonly used in mobile games, advertising, education, and navigation applications. It allows users to interact with virtual objects and information as if they were part of the physical world.

Concept

The AR concept is a popular topic recently featured in the news when Apple announced their new Visor would revolutionise the industry. 

Many sceptics believe that if Google failed to impact how humans interact with a virtual landscape, why would Apple succeed? This topic will undoubtedly feature in some of the English exam boards but, more importantly, in everyday conversation. 

This lesson plan will demonstrate how to compare, contrast, apply prepositions and focus on adjectives to describe. Challenging but effective, this class complements our conversation course lesson portfolio.

AR Advantages 

1. Enhanced User Experience: AR provides an immersive experience that allows users to interact with digital content in the real world, giving them a sense of being present in a virtual world.

2. Increased Engagement: AR applications can increase user engagement by providing a unique and exciting experience that is impossible with traditional media.

3. Improved Learning: AR can be used in education to provide a more engaging and interactive learning experience. It can also be used to provide real-time feedback to learners.

4. Increased Sales: AR can be used in advertising to showcase products and services interactively and engagingly, leading to increased sales.

5. Improved Safety: It can be used in industries such as manufacturing and construction to provide workers with real-time information and training, improving safety and reducing accidents.

6. Lower Costs: It can be used to simulate real-world scenarios, reducing the need for physical prototypes and testing, which can lead to cost savings.

AR Disadvantages

1. Limited Hardware: AR requires specialised hardware such as smartphones, tablets, or headsets, which can be expensive and not accessible to everyone.

2. Technical Challenges: Implementing AR technology can be complex and requires specialised knowledge and skills, which can be a challenge for businesses and organisations.

3. Lack of Standards: Currently, there are no standardised technologies or protocols for AR, which can lead to compatibility issues between different devices and platforms.

4. Privacy Concerns: AR applications can collect large amounts of data about users, including their location and behaviour, which can raise privacy concerns.

5. Distraction: AR applications can be distracting, especially when users need to focus on their surroundings, such as driving or walking.

6. Limited Applications: While AR has many potential applications, it may not be suitable for all industries or use cases.

Employment

This concept can significantly impact the jobs industry by creating new job opportunities and transforming existing ones. Here are some ways that AR can affect the jobs industry:

1. New job opportunities: This technology requires specialised skills such as software development, 3D modelling, and user experience design, which can create new job opportunities in these fields.

2. Job transformation: It can transform existing jobs by enabling workers to use AR-enabled tools and devices to perform their tasks more efficiently and accurately. For example, maintenance workers can use AR glasses to access real-time repair instructions and schematics, reducing the time and cost of repairs.

3. Training and development: It can be used to provide immersive training experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling workers to learn new skills and techniques in a safe and controlled environment.

4. Remote work: It can enable remote work by allowing workers to access virtual workspaces and collaborate with colleagues from anywhere in the world.

5. Increased productivity: It can increase productivity by enabling workers to access information and tools more quickly and easily, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks.

Overall, AR has the potential to revolutionise the jobs industry by creating new opportunities, transforming existing jobs, and improving productivity and efficiency.

If you are taking the IELTS exam, please write the following essay as homework for your next class.

Some people believe that AR technology will threaten the very existence of humans. Others believe this technology will enhance how humans live and improve the quality of life. Write an essay to discuss the above, and where possible, try and include examples.

Time allowed – 40 minutes.

Min word count – 250 words

Task – IELTS general-level writing task

Level – Intermediate

Objective – To demonstrate the depth of grammar