Using AR in Higher Education – suggested use in the Real Estate Agency Study Program

Abstract

Games, e.g. like Pokémon Go, use Augmented Reality (AR). The functionality that allows one to “see” an object through an application on a mobile phone, can also be used to test out the visual portrayal of e.g. where to put a sauna on a property. It separates itself from Virtual Reality (VR) by being a representation on top of the real world picture. VR portrays a complete virtual reality where all you can see is programmed. Since AR allow the real world to be the basis of the visual image, it provides us with a tool for different uses. Currently one uses AR to organize training for rescue operations at the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. Up to four different people can work in the same “world” at the same time with different vehicles; one can drive the police car, one can fly the helicopter, one can drive the ambulance, etc. All of the participants can sit in their own room and watch what the other “players” are doing in the same visual area. This provide the students with unique insight and training regarding e.g. crisis management. However, how can we support the students attending the Real Estate Study Program by using AR? One option is to place a building in an environment in order to “see” it in a particular setting. Can we cater for other needs by utilizing AR? This paper present a pre-study regarding using AR and we will here investigate the different ways AR may support the students in the Real Estate Study Program. We have discussed the use of AR with students and Real Estate Agents that may be our students’ future work places. We have investigated their needs, and have in the paper presented and proposed how AR can be a support in the education in order to support the worklife for our students. We also suggest how data can be collected from the different uses and support Knowledge Management processes in the Real Estate Agencies.