Augmented Reality (AR) is an increasingly common technology that is starting to be explored for its educational potential. It involves overlaying digital information onto the physical world (for example by using the camera of a mobile phone) and as such provides opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. Because both teachers and students can add information, it has the potential to provide learners with an active role in the learning process. Despite increasing use in science education, the training of medical practitioners and the use of simulations for a range of skills, the application of AR in language education has been limited. In this practical talk, I will briefly review recent developments in this area and look at some of the potential benefits of AR for preparing learners for, and supporting them in their learning beyond the classroom. I will give a few examples of activities that can easily be adopted by teachers without specialised technical skills or experience in this area. l will also consider some issues relating to privacy, security and implementation.

Dr Hayo Reinders (www.innovationinteaching.org) is Professor of Education at Unitec in New Zealand and TESOL Professor and Director of the doctoral programme at Anaheim University in the USA. Hayo has published over 20 books and 100 articles in the areas of autonomy, technology, teacher education and out-of-class learning. He edits a book series for Palgrave Macmillan and is editor of the journal Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching.  He maintains the autonomy bibliography (www.autonomybibliography.org) with over 2,000 references.

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