Augmented Reality

Until tonight, I had no idea what "augmented reality" was.  I came across the article, "Augmented Reality Coming to Video Conferencing" on my Google Reader tonight, and discovered not only what AR is, but I also learned that it might soon become a more widespread tool used in a variety of settings, including education.


From what I understand after briefly checking out this article and the accompanying you-tube video that is an advertisement for an augmented reality company called Zugara, it seems that augmented reality refers to a special type of online live video chatting that can be done between two people that doesn't just let you see the other person, but both parties can interact with graphics and other objects that are not really present, but the computer can somehow still put them in front of people. You really need to look at the video to see what I am talking about. Or wikipedia describes AR like this: "a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imager- creating a mixed reality."

It's crazy and really cool at the same time to think that an augmented reality product like viewed in the video might someday be something I could use in communication with students. I have no idea how it works or what is actually required. How does the virtual object in front of the person know that it is being manipulated? How does the person know where to reach for it if it is not really there (by seeing it next to them on their screen?)? I am definitely interested in learning more about this type of technology!