For this assignment, we were tasked with creating an augmented reality image in the Aurasma program. I had the Reeve in the medieval feudal system. I found an image of a Reeve on the internet and tied it to the AR Aura for the Reeve. I then added a trigger for this image to a URL about the medieval Reeve and his role in society. 
The ultimate effect of this was that when people scanned the Aura with their phones, an image of the Reeve would appear, if they then tapped this image, the page with information about the Reeve would load on their phone.
This AR technology is fascinating because it allows us to visualize what previously would have to be a mental image. Some benefits to this technology would be allowing us to visualize how things work, and how things are done without actually having to be at these locations or doing this work. This has applications in the medical field, as well as education, public history, architecture, engineering, business, and many more. This world is complex and very challenging at times, and AR seems like a very valuable teaching tool in helping us better understand the world we live in.
Some drawbacks of this technology include the eventual limitations of our imaginations if this technology were to become a part of everyday life. Why bother imagining what the Twin Towers looked like when there is an AR representation of them right at our fingertips. I believe AR could possibly take away from our ability to create mental images in the long run, especially if we were to grow up with this technology. It also can only do so much for us, it cannot substitute for reality, and the tech is still relatively clunky to work with.
Overall I believe that we are on the verge of a technological revolution of sorts when it comes to AR. Many AR programs exist, and they are interesting to play with for a short time, but they have more potential than real world application at this point in time. For instance while Aurasma is cool for its novelty, how much benefit does it truly give to help understand the Reeve. Would a simple google search provide the same information, or does Aurasma create a unique approach that transcends novelty into an actual teaching tool. The future will be the judge.
Feb 2018
Zeke Johnson