Augmented reality (AR) enhances one's current perception of reality by overlaying virtual computer-generated images on a live view of the physical world. AR combines real and virtual elements, interacts in real time, and registers virtual objects in 3D. Unlike virtual reality which aims to replace reality, AR enhances a user's perception of the real world. AR can revolutionize education, especially second language learning, by allowing users to see virtual labels and objects in both their native and target language overlaid on the real world through devices like translucent goggles. AR merges digital learning materials with the physical classroom to create an interactive 3D environment and innovative learning process for second language acquisition.

1. Copyright American TESOL Institute 2011 Page 1
AR, or Augmented Reality is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated sensory input, such as sound or graphics. It is related to a more general concept called mediated reality in which a view of reality is modified by a computer. As a result, the technology functions by enhancing one’s current perception of reality.
There are two commonly accepted definitions of Augmented Reality today. One was given by Ronald Azuma in 1997. Azuma's definition says that Augmented Reality
1. combines real and virtual
2. is interactive in real time
3. is registered in 3D
Unlike Virtual Reality (VR) that aims at replacing the perception of the world with an artificial one, Augmented Reality (AR) has the goal of enhancing a person's perception of the surrounding world. Being partly virtual and real, the new interface technology of AR can revolutionize education, specially second language learning.
Augmented reality is an environment that includes both virtual reality and actual-world elements. For instance, an AR user might wear translucent goggles, that identify and pronounce objects in both their native and target language. The user could see the real world, as well as computer-generated images projected on top of that world. An augmented reality environment then, would include elements of the real world and the virtual world simultaneously, and would be interactive in real time.
Augmented reality offers an innovative learning process by merging digital learning material with physical space. This technology enables students to see different objects being labeled in the second language vocabulary, and it converts the traditional classroom environment into an interactive 3d world.
A successful language acquisition method can be implemented by integrating traditional teaching techniques such as Art/Music, Direct Based/Communicative, Vocabulary or Rassias Method with Augmented reality.

2. Copyright American TESOL Institute 2011 Page 2
A new method of teaching languages can be adapted by the mixture of both the old teaching techniques and latest technology such as augmented reality. Applying the Augmented reality technology to learning a second language, we can enhance the learning process by putting things into a innovative and attractive environment.