In this unit, students will learn the purpose, use and types of augmented reality (AR) in different contexts and how they are used on different digital devices. They will develop the skills to be able to design and create an AR model prototype, using a range of tools and techniques.
Students will also be able to test and review their AR model prototype.
What software can be used to develop an augmented realty (AR) prototype?
The OCR Subject Advisor team have been trialing some of these SDKs using the sample NEA assignment ‘African Elephants’ and our feedback is in the document below. We hope this will help you in making appropriate decisions best suited to your school IT network as well as the skill set of you and your students.
If you would to give us feedback on any SDKs you have trialed, please contact us through support@ocr.org.uk.
Will you be adding any further AR SDKs to your recommended software list?
We continue to trail other and newly available AR SDKs for teachers. Recently, we completed the review of another AR SDK called ‘BLIPPAR’. It is available to use as an online (WEBAR) and standalone (BLIPPBUILDER) AR SDK. Blippar have also released BLIPPBUILDER MICROSOFT TEAMS APP that you can have access directly using TEAMS APP function.
Can we have an example of the kind of AR model prototype students might develop?
Please use our sample assignment for unit R070 which is available on our website to download and from Teach Cambridge.
Are we allowed to use software such as MS PowerPoint slides, Google slides or similar presentation software to create an AR model prototype?
No. You must use an AR software development kit (SDK) currently available either as a free or paid software of your own choice or one from our recommended SDKs.
The requirement for using an AR SDK is included within the unit ‘aims’ on page 29 of the J836 specification. Spec page 34 states that “it is essential students have access to an AR SDK to complete the assessment.” Page 34 of the spec also states that for teaching content 3.1-3.4, “Students must use an AR SDK to be able to use the tools and techniques as listed in Topic 3 above to create, test, and review their AR model prototype, see appendix C for more information. They must not use PowerPoint presentation software to create an AR model prototype
SDKs are very confusing for me. What do I do with them?
An SDK is a collection of software development tools in one installable/online package. You can choose to use an SDK to develop an AR model prototype using different types of assets (image, text, audio, video etc).
Will OCR provide SDK focused or Unit R070 focused CPD training for teachers?
We will not be offering CPD on an end-to-end process connected with an SDK as we cannot be seen to be biased towards one SDK over others currently available. All the recommended SDKs companies there are YouTube videos/online tutorials and/or user guide documents available.
We are offering CPD events focused on the delivery and assessment of AR unit R070. Please book your place on your selected CPD events using our professional development website.
Please ensure you have also signed up for our newsletter to keep you updated.
Will OCR provide training for teachers and/or students?
There are many CPD events on offer with a focus on developing knowledge, skills and understanding of teachers aiming to delivery our IT qualification successfully. Please book your places on ‘teachers only’ CPD events using our professional development
We are working in collaboration with TeenTech company to offer a number of free virtual Augmented Reality Masterclass which are targeted at both students and teachers. More information and to book the sessions please visit Teentech website.
Do you have any plans for providing tutorial guides for your recommended SDKs?
No, our recommendation document includes links for AR SDKs tutorials or guides on how to use tools and techniques directly from the providers.
Do we need any specific equipment/hardware for delivering and assessing the AR unit?
No, there is no requirement to have any specific equipment/hardware for delivering unit R070.
Depending upon your use of SDK, you may require a class set or a few external webcams and headphones available for students to be able to test/review the AR model prototypes that they create as part of their final set assignment tasks.
Will the screen print evidence of AR model prototype development be accepted for the topic area (TA3) mark band criteria?
Students will be required to submit a video screen recording or a video recording of an AR model prototype working on a PC, laptop, or mobile device screen with their assignment report to be able to achieve marks for the TA3. Some SDKs will allow an onscreen preview of the developed model prototype and for some SDK you may require an external webcam to test and screen record or a video using a mobile device.
It will be useful to provide some screen print evidence of the use of a chosen SDK for developing the AR model prototype.
What software do I use for video screen recording of a working AR model prototype?
Windows 10 has a free built-in ‘Game Bar’ tool which can be used for video screen recording.
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To use this, navigate to the screen you wish to record and press Win + G to open Game Bar.
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Alternatively, you could just press Win + Alt + R on your keyboard.
Microsoft Teams or similar video conferencing software that allows a meeting including screen to be recorded could also be used to record a video screen recording. To use this:
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Set up a meeting in Teams.
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Join the meeting, share the screen and record the PC/laptop screen where the AR model prototype is working.
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The video is recorded into Stream and can be shared as evidence.
Alternatively, you could directly share and record your computer screen using Microsoft Stream which is available as part of the Office 365 suite.
There are other software applications available online to enable a video screen recording.
Is there any guidance on how the assessment of unit R070 should look like?
We have provided NEA exemplar material for both unit R060 and R070 for teachers to understand the assessment of these units which are available on our new and secure Teach Cambridge website for teachers.
We recommend the review of the ‘assessment guidance’ included within the specification page 34 for unit R070 with the marking criteria on spec pages 32-33 for all mark bands (MB1, MB2 and MB3).
How do I install my chosen standalone SDK in our school IT system?
Please review the system requirements for your chosen standalone SDK from their website.
Liaise with your IT network manager in school to identify if your chosen AR SDK can be installed for students’ and staff use.
Can our students use an online AR SDK for their final assessment tasks?
Yes, students are allowed to use an online version of AR SDK. Our AR SDKs recommendation document includes some of these AR SDKs for your review and try out prior to providing access to your students. You must be able to authenticate students work completed online. It may be possible to provide limited access during classroom time when they are under direct supervised and controlled environment (as stated within the specification).
Where can I find more information about this unit and augmented reality?
We've written two blogs all about teaching augmented reality, full of information as well as pieces of advice:
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