Augmented reality is a phrase used for live, direct or indirect view of a real world environment with computer generated elements that are then overlaid onto the real world image. This can include things such as navigational aids and games. Augmented reality differs from virtual reality because it places a virtual layer on the existing world rather than creating a whole new one.

Navigational aids can use augmented reality in various ways. One of these ways is to scan the area around the user and then project a dot onto where the user wants to go, another of these methods is very similar, except that instead of having a dot there are lines showing the user where to go.

Augmented reality can be used to help learning as a webcam can read a sign (or barcode) on a piece of paper and then project what that sign is telling it, this could be a globe or a heart. The advantages of this technology are numerous, for instance instead of making a model to show a three dimensional image of something all that is needed is a webcam and a piece of paper with the required sign. This then makes it cheaper and less time consuming to show complex structures.

Website example

Twitter is a social networking site that enables users to post short messages or 'tweets'. We can use this service to have question and answer sessions without the need for putting up our hands,we can simply 'tweet' the answer, these can then be read and reviewed. The answer feed would have to be hidden otherwise people could simply copy everyone elses' answer.

Twitter can also be used to post links to interesting sites or to inform of when work has been finished. If during a particular lesson someone has a question then they can just 'tweet' it rather than ask it, this could be useful because the teacher may not notice that someone has their hand up but as long as they have some sort of 'tweet' notification they will never miss a question.

One way of defining ICT is as the use of technology for input process storage and transfer of data and the output of information. Another way of defining it is as a general term for that includes any communication device or (software) application. A final way to define it is as something that business can use to share ideas with their agents anywhere in the world.

There are of course many other definitions of ICT these are not the only ones out there.