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The time to learn augmented reality is right now, and we\u2019re here to give you everything you need to decide whether learning AR is a step you\u2019re ready to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Augmented Reality?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enhances a user\u2019s experience of the real world by overlaying digital objects, graphics, or information onto a user\u2019s environment.
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The resulting AR experience is a powerful illusion of physical and virtual worlds colliding. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which provides an immersive experience of a computer-generated environment, AR does not leave the real world behind. Augmented reality allows users to experience both worlds at once without being glued to their smartphones.
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Most crucially, as part of the AI, machine learning (ML), and spatial computing revolution, augmented reality is helping to facilitate a more integrated and efficient partnership between human beings and computers. This partnership will be a vital boon to our search for solutions to the unique problems facing humanity in the 21st century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is Augmented Reality Used for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You probably already know about the gaming and entertainment possibilities. And if you\u2019re here because you\u2019re looking to break into video game design<\/a>, there are certainly avenues involving AR integration<\/a> you can pursue. But augmented reality insiders are most excited about how the technology can be used to improve people\u2019s lives. Whether you\u2019re interested in hardware or mobile app development<\/a>, below are some of the sectors where your education in AR will be most immediately useful. Augmented reality technology comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes, and everything that falls under the AR umbrella could be sliced up in several different ways. But as far as the beginner is concerned, there are two main types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n More limited in applicability than its markerless counterpart, marker-based augmented reality is nevertheless a useful technology. A marker is something in the physical world that a smartphone camera can recognize and track. Mobile apps that deploy marker-based AR can create AR experiences by superimposing digital content onto markers. Some textbooks, for example, are now sold with augmented reality add-ons, which allow students to enrich their learning by pointing their mobile devices at markers on the page and bringing some difficult concepts or case studies to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This more versatile technology circumvents markers entirely by using Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM). Basically, a SLAM algorithm combines information from GPS, a compass, and a camera to create a continuous digital representation of the user\u2019s environment as he or she moves around in space. This gives the AR software enough information to project a piece of digital content directly into the represented environment, creating a convincing illusion that the physical world actually contains the digital object. Suffice it to say that the effects of markerless AR are truly out of this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being inspired by AR technology out in the world is one thing. Learning how to create new AR products for oneself is a different animal. But the industry\u2019s rapid growth means that companies have begun to streamline the processes of AR development and break down the barriers to entry. The slick learning and training resources now available are luring a new generation of talented developers. With a little luck and a lot of commitment, you could be the cream of the next crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anything worth learning takes time. You cannot learn something as complex, intricate, and multifaceted as augmented reality overnight. Even applications like Pok\u00e9mon GO, whose simplicity is a huge part of its mainstream appeal, took a long time to develop. That said, if you\u2019re committed to learning the ins and outs of augmented reality, there are plenty of ways to plant your flag at the top of that hill. Whether you prefer to acquire knowledge through books, classes, or certificate programs, you should expect to spend a few months learning the basics, and one to two years mastering the technology. You will probably experience growing pains along the way. That\u2019s normal. But stick it out, and you\u2019ll be surprised how quickly it becomes second nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s hard to know where to start. Even if you have a vague sense of how you want to use AR technology, you still need to get from conception to execution to implementation. The good news for beginners is that the innovators who came before you smoothed out the map and found shortcuts for you to follow. Thanks to them, the instruction manual for learning AR is relatively straightforward. At a time when competition, innovation, and investment are accelerating the growth of new knowledge in augmented reality, you want to make sure you\u2019re studying someplace where your training won\u2019t already be obsolete before you graduate. While it\u2019s not always true that education keeps pace with research and development, the top courses in extended reality are good about matching students with industry gurus and the most advanced technology. No matter how much time and money you have reserved for training, below are some reliable places where your education resources will be well spent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to study augmented reality in a physical setting with a live instructor, a certificate program at a community college is probably your best bet. But there are more expensive and time-intensive routes as well. All of these programs are fairly new, which ensures that the information you will learn and the certification you will receive will be immediately useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ultimate convergence of industry-standard software and accredited training, the Unity XR Certificate program offers students unrivaled access to the Unity game engine at the low cost of two community college courses. Like most in-person programs in this field, the curriculum bundles AR and VR together into a single extended reality package. If you have cold feet about taking an extra class, Laney\u2019s dedication to professionalization may be enough to get you off the sidelines. Getting trained in both specializations, after all, is likely to increase your odds of landing an entry-level job as soon as you finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It would not be an understatement to call the Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex (MAGIC) at Miami Dade College the gravitational center for education in AR and VR technology. This 19-credit certificate program promises focused training with the latest hardware and software, practical projects, and access to industry professionals. Quench your thirst for AR-specific training with a four-credit course in Augmented Reality Platform Development, the final step before certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the other community colleges on this list, the Orange Coast College (OCC) is affordable and convenient. The college\u2019s Immersive Media faculty has been watching industry trends for a long time, building a curriculum and waiting for the perfect time to release it to students. So although the certificate program is less than two years old, you shouldn\u2019t mistake youth for inexperience. The 31-unit Certificate of Achievement includes a required introductory course in augmented reality, as well as a robust selection of AR-related electives like Mobile Application Development and 3D Modelling for Immersive Applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This special certificate is something to consider if you\u2019re already planning to attend graduate school and would like to fold augmented reality into your intended course of study. One obvious benefit is that a degree from the University of Michigan, which consistently ranks among the best universities in the world, counts for a lot. Not to mention that a well-endowed university has more resources than a community college budget can compete with. And if you can commit to something like this, you\u2019ll have the freedom to create your own path to certification, with electives like Developing AR\/VR Experiences, Immersive Media, and Generative Design Computing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online education is undergoing a renaissance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That is especially true of augmented reality, where the experts know a thing or two about crafting engaging lessons in digital space. Below are two courses that, despite being entirely online, give any in-person program a run for its money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A frequent challenge of implementing successful AR technologies is the gap between design and user experience. No amount of coding aptitude or tech savvy will matter unless you can build an empathic product<\/a> that takes into account what your potential users want out of an augmented reality experience. Figuring out how to square this circle can be an obstacle, but it can be overcome with a course like this one from UCLA Extension. Not only will you learn how to apply the principles of UX design to extended reality interfaces, but you will also gain hands-on experience culminating in the construction of your own human-centered prototype.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have some experience in engineering or software development but are unsure how to maximize your earning potential, then this course may be right up your alley. The focus here is not on basic skills, but rather on the unique features of immersive digital content and the emerging markets for these technologies. Taught by two industry moguls, the XRTerra program will highlight the most practical applications and waste no time in guiding you through the essentials of prototyping, product pitches, and building your portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we\u2019ve already seen, Unity is one of the biggest players in this space, if not the biggest<\/a>. This practical course is designed for anyone with basic knowledge of computer science and a coding background. Learn how to set down markers in the real world, integrate GPS, and use mobile mapping to build scientifically sound AR applications from the ground up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there are classes that cost nothing at all, which companies like Google and Apple can afford to offer because it is in their interest to make their development software available to ambitious young developers. After taking one of the classes listed below, you just might be the one to design the next big app using ARCore or ARKit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designed for beginners, this series of four lessons will clearly explain all the fundamental concepts you need to start building AR experiences with ARCore, Google\u2019s proprietary development tool for melding the virtual and the real. Get the course content for free, or pay $29 and earn certification that you can show to future employers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ARKit is Apple\u2019s answer to Google\u2019s ARCore. Geared toward learners with some prior experience, the class comes with a more ambitious set of objectives than Google\u2019s Coursera course. By getting into the weeds, you\u2019ll leave with a more nuanced understanding of the technology and a wider array of skills than a free course usually offers. And given the popularity of Apple products, working knowledge of ARKit is a highly marketable asset in today\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people are visual learners, others are kinesthetic learners, and then there are those who just want to pack as much information into their heads as they possibly can, and decide for themselves what\u2019s useful. If you\u2019re in this latter category, then one of these books may be a better place to start than a course or workshop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Linowes and Babilinski don\u2019t mess around with storytelling. They come right at you with a technical overview of augmented reality, a guide to the most popular AR development software, and step-by-step instructions for building user-friendly mobile apps. And after all that, they devote five full chapters to a series of AR projects that you can try out to practice what you\u2019ve learned. It\u2019s an all-in-one resource like no other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The boom in augmented reality is making everyone go gaga over spatial computing, the technology that some say will irrevocably transform our lives and maybe even save the planet. It has all happened so fast that most people, even those of us who want in on the action, don\u2019t have a firm grasp on what it all means for humanity. In this potted history of the subject and peek into the future, Cronin and Scoble take readers on an extraordinary journey through the sectors of the economy where advances in spatial computing have made the greatest impact. Easy to read and full of information, The Infinite Retina <\/em>will blow your mind and show you how you can team up with AR to change the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But wait, there\u2019s more. It takes commitment to maintain whatever knowledge and skills you manage to gain. You would be wise, then, to spend a few minutes every day staying apprised of new applications and exciting opportunities in the VR\/AR industry. Below are just a couple of the places online you can go to keep augmented reality on your radar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of Augmented Reality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marker-Based Augmented Reality <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nMarkerless Augmented Reality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nLearning Augmented Reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"In](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/AR2.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Does It Take to Learn Augmented Reality?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Learn Augmented Reality: Step-by-Step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Best Augmented Reality Courses and Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/AR3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest In-Person Augmented Reality Classes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nLaney College<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nMiami Dade College<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nOrange Coast College<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nUniversity of Michigan (School of Information)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Online Augmented Reality Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UCLA Extension<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nXRTerra<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nUdemy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Best Free Augmented Reality Classes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coursera<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Udacity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Augmented Reality Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Augmented Reality for Developers\u2019, by Jonathan Linowes and Krystian Babilinski<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/bi7IN843w1vqEoP4XMoWimdmygIF9S0-W2SV2cy2pxRMCLXQPxrDOcX6usjDbduAmulIpKMfqMn9XPRzfkhXAKLfXISsjbMzd-nV5_RrD_rJAQKH8zlfcWSe2X2jNl2ewNI0oJ70\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2018The Infinite Retina\u2019, Irena Cronin and Robert Scoble<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/nhPsfFzz76V75Xd1D8n8YIM1wX2xmb2Qz3iknnyURK_an4ghCho5fjEdbQw5pXHoO6l9tAOUEEd0XrzHb695UzoELOPuv5gdJf5gnGvfid2LOEnqY80tKjxDvnD0olJWGcGCYXk1\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest Online Augmented Reality Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Google AR Experiments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/mpsMRjiW9O2fXQEI80j2GLl90hA3JfWBNmEGvVFDBI1COsO1CEmDjcZo4oszyohX_oRrBGKg1hhf1Mfe_BiSefiblBVmK23hqkyAO2Wkr0l3a1WlJb_1stLi4ouAf4_LdyqUXAHM\")
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/lBA0yCTJ1GLsyZs1J5gsh7rmWCvMKQZaBa5vzXIzNkHz_siTluMl5BhAbbQDpvkg3YQ8jxpo6gR-QfupAkK8E1t2pMNkqmUC2rSNXBVGjd0brw3MT0EUVsLjTxEIRAdlXEOYwcqU\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/AR4.jpg\")