Technology can be a powerful tool to inspire and engage students. Through augmented reality, learning can become a more dynamic and engaging experience, but it can be difficult to find affordable and simple to use tools that will add value to lessons without over-complicating them. 

Octagon Studio provides teachers with an opportunity to easily and inexpensively bring augmented reality technology into the classroom, through the use of 4D flashcards. Each card contains a combination of images and information. Flashcards are available to support the learning of many different subjects, including animals, space, dinosaurs and human anatomy.

An app is used to bring the image to life, combining elements of the real classroom environment and animation to allow learners to interact with the images. For example, placing a banana and monkey card next to each other causes the monkey to grab, peel and eat the fruit. The 4D images can be accessed individually or in small groups on devices such as smartphones or tablets, or can be shown to whole class by connecting the device to a projector or screen.

Augmented reality technology appeals to a wide variety of learners and provides authentic and dynamic learning experiences. The ability to interact with the image by manipulating it provides a deeper level of engagement, which enhances the enjoyment of learning.

Octagon 4D flashcards can be used to stimulate learning for young children in a variety of subjects, particularly science. Schools can also use the cards as a language learning tool by utilising the multilingual feature. Fun and engaging lesson plans are provided to support teachers in integrating this technology into the classroom.

Octagon Studio’s researchers and developers work with education specialists to ensure the flashcards are always high quality. For the space flashcards, Octagon Studio even collaborated with the European Space Agency.

Octagon Studio has been recognised with several awards, including Top App Innovator at the Innovative Awards 2017 and Best App at the Wearable Technology Show 2016.