Background

Technology is transforming the way we learn, see and understand the world around us. But schools and teachers don’t always benefit from these technological advances when it comes to teaching Australian history. With student attention spans averaging seven minutes, it can be hard to engage them with century-old events through textbooks and lectures alone – especially when competing with the smartphones in their pockets. And if Australian students don’t connect with their history, the ANZAC Legacy could be lost. So, how can we help younger generations feel connected to these stories?

Describe the creative idea

We worked with curators from the Queensland Museum to create a free augmented reality app, letting students experience World War One through the eyes of an ANZAC war correspondent. Right here, in the classroom. 'Step back in time to experience WWI through the eyes of an ANZAC war correspondent. Augmented reality (AR) makes history come alive as you collect photographs and stories from Australians across battlefields in Egypt, Turkey and France. It’s history, captured by you.' Using their smartphone or tablets as a vintage camera, students capture photographs and learn stories from men and women on their journey across the battlefields. From the camps in Egypt and the fighting in Palestine, to the dangers of the Gallipoli campaign, students follow the troops on the Western Front at Pozières, and report on the action in Villers-Bretonneux. They select their favourite photographs, stories and headlines to assemble their own downloadable newspaper articles.

Describe the strategy

The app was tested at different stages by two groups of 14 Year 9 History students from Indooroopilly State High School and Ormiston College in Queensland. We conducted surveys to gather feedback making the app optimised for student’s engagement. “I like how there’s a storyline, It’s pretty cool to be able to be in a familiar environment with all these things that you didn’t know popping up. Like the airplane! It’s normally just a roof and then there’s an airplane that you get to see. It’s pretty cool.” – Tom, Grade 10 Student “I liked how it was really realistic, how you can move around – it felt really real. I liked how it took you all around where the Australians were involved, you could see key features of it and I found that really good to learn with.” – Sarah, Grade 10 Student

Describe the execution

The ANZAC Correspondent AR App transforms the way you learn, see and understand the world around you through augmented reality. Use augmented reality to make history come alive, right here, in the classroom. We collaborated with historians, teachers, and students to create ANZAC Correspondent, using AR technology to help younger generations feel connected to these stories. An immersive and innovative experience means students are kept engaged for longer, and the intuitive navigation allows students to direct their own learning experience. Primary sources used within ANZAC Correspondent give insight into different historical perspectives and provide valuable opportunities for further research. Our message to teachers: Implement ANZAC correspondent in your classroom today!

List the results

Learning through the app keep students more focussed and engaged. With 97% of them saying they found the app to be a great way to learn. We overcame the seven minutes attention span barrier, easily keeping them hooked for a full 40 minutes. History teachers across Australia are better able to help students explore perspectives and deepen connections with Australian history. The AR App is free and available for teachers and year 9 and 10 students (est. +300,000 student across public and private schools in the State of Queensland). 5 stars on the Apple App Store.