Paraplegia+and+Aurasma

**Paraplegia and Aurasma**
Paraplegia is a disability that affects one’s lower body. Paraplegia has many causes, but ultimately makes it difficult for individuals to gain access to the same spaces as their peers [1]. Many paraplegic people make use of a wheelchair to assist with mobility [1], but new technology, like the Aurasma App can increase their ability to experience new parts of the world.

Aurasma is an augmented reality app that allows users to both create and explore an extra “layer” on the real world. Users can create “links” to digital content, called “Auras,” by choosing a trigger image which is placed in the physical world [2]. The image could be anything, from a book cover, to a symbol, to a monument. When a student uses a device, like an iPad, to capture the trigger image, they can see a new layer, like a video or website that adds further meaning to what they are looking at [3].

Aurasma would allow paraplegic students (and the whole classroom) to easily access places that would be otherwise challenging to navigate. Aurasmas could be created by teachers OR students using online resources to help enhance lessons in countless subjects, including science, social studies, and English! Students could visit the past, fictional universes, or even space, not to mention the ability to take advantage of the many virtual field trips available online.

Although Aurasma opens up a world of possibilities for paraplegic students, the app, as with many web 2.0 platforms, has user-generated content [3]. This would require the use of a tablet, like an iPad, and training for the student or teacher actually creating the augmented reality experience. Students who are paraplegic might need a student or teacher partner to take recordings of places that are difficult for them to access in order for the Aura to be added in the first place. Otherwise, users will be dependent on what is already available online. This is a small step that could be easily taken to provide a new window into learning opportunities.


 * References: **
 * 1. **__ [] __


 * 2. ** [|__http://www.aurasma.com/about-us/__]


 * 3. ** [|__http://www.edudemic.com/aurasma-for-your-classroom/__]