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Technology has long been a game-changer in many aspects of daily life. It’s made communicating, performing tasks, and automating complex work easier and more efficient. One example of how tech has revolutionized today’s modern world is the development of artificial intelligence (AI) or the imitation of human intelligence by computer systems and machines. AI has grown exponentially to aid people in various tasks, including students in college. Through AI, students can create customized learning materials that help improve learning efficiency, whether it’s in the fields of computer science or creative writing.
Similar to AI, augmented reality (AR) is driving innovation in today’s society by introducing interactive experiences through the integration of the physical environment and digital perceptual information. The global AR market has a CAGR of 37.9% from 2025 to 2030, marking a period of consistent growth, according to a Grand View Research report. AR use in education is among the main forces behind this growth, especially as the tech continues to take center stage in students’ eye health, education, and campus life. Here’s what you need to know:
Eye health
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According to the National Institutes of Health, digital eye strain, which is common among college students who use technology for learning, can interfere with academic performance. This underscores the importance of eye health among university students, and AR plays a crucial role in helping students prioritize their vision health. AR-powered virtual glasses try on features let students digitally fit frames that suit their facial features without needing to travel to a brick-and-mortar store. Eyewear retailer LensCrafters is leveraging this AR feature and enabling college pupils to find the perfect glasses from the comfort of their homes. Students only need to select a pair of glasses, enable their device camera, and see if the frames suit their preferences. Students can also have special lens coatings like blue light filters applied to their glasses and have them shipped straight to their place of residence.
Education
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AR technology has also been used to transform learning set-ups. The use of extended reality (XR), which includes AR, for educational purposes is highlighted by its capability to create a standardized way to teach foundational skills and knowledge through the help of immersive technology. For instance, education majors at the University of Central Florida utilize TeachLive, a virtual simulation that enables student-teachers to manage tricky situations to prepare them for the challenges of an actual classroom setting. Meanwhile, AR applications like Visible Body enhance anatomy education and training by helping students visualize anatomical structures with a closer look. With AR tech, students can practice procedures and immerse themselves in virtual simulations that prepare them for real-life scenarios in their respective professions.
Campus life
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AR has also enhanced the campus life experience of college students, primarily through virtual simulations that offer incoming first-year students a glimpse of university life. Schools like Georgia Institute of Technology and George Mason University use AR-powered platforms that allow students to experience a virtual campus tour. An MDPI study also found that AR technology makes learning accessible for students with special education needs, making their campus life more engaging and student-friendly. Students can download AR apps like ARWay, which can provide efficient wayfinding solutions that help them navigate their campuses through accurate location information supplied by AI-powered computer vision that recognizes a user’s surroundings. These AR-powered apps and features thus help create a meaningful campus experience for a diverse range of college students.
The prevalence of AR technology has led to groundbreaking innovations that enhance college students’ learning experiences. Through AR innovations in eye health, education, and campus life, students can more easily navigate the challenges and intricacies of college life, from academics to personal health.
