Cambridge National in IT – augmented reality FAQs
26 June 2026
This blog was first published in 2022 and has been updated to reflect new information and recent updates to the specification.
Vinay Thawait, Subject Advisor, Computer Science, IT and Creative iMedia
As we have successfully completed multiple assessment series for our Cambridge National IT (J836) qualification, teaching professionals are continuing to ask questions about the delivery and assessment of Unit R070: Using augmented reality to present information.
We are committed to supporting you with your planning, delivery and assessment, so in this blog I’ll share these with you as you may have similar questions.
The qualification is accredited by our regulator, Ofqual, by meeting the Department for Education (DfE) requirement for qualifications in the Technical Award category of the 14-16 performance tables. Our qualification is included in the DfE performance tables.
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Frequently asked questions for unit R070
Are we allowed to use software such as Microsoft PowerPoint slides, Google slides or similar presentation software to create an AR model prototype?
Until the summer 2026 series, the use of an AR software development kit (free or paid) to create the augmented reality (AR) model prototype was a compulsory requirement, with no alternative software allowed.
A recent update to the specification, NEA Task evidence requirements, SAM and support materials, we have updated guidance for teachers and students as below: You can allow students to use an augmented reality (AR) software development kit (SDK) or alternative software. If alternative software is used students must create a simulated AR experience.
A simulated AR experience must show what it would look like when it is working. This means using things that move or change such as simple animation, clicking or tapping to make something happen and visual effects including making objects appear closer or further away to look like they are in the same space as the real world. The simulated AR experience must include the illusion of depth.
When an AR model prototype is made using an AR SDK, animation may be applied through built‑in functionality (e.g. via software tools). When using alternative software, such as presentation software, students must create these effects using tools like animations, layers, size changes and slide transitions. In both cases, the aim is to show how virtual objects would look and behave in AR, not just to create a set of static slides.
Alternative software can include, but isn’t limited to, presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides and Canva).
SDKs are very confusing for me. What do I do with them?
An SDK is a collection of software development tools in one installable/online package. You can choose to use an SDK to develop an AR model prototype using different types of assets (image, text, audio, video etc).
What SDK can I use with students to develop an AR model prototype?
We have trialled a range of AR SDKs (free and paid versions) with the model NEA assignment and found a number to be suitable. If you plan to use an AR SDK with your students, please download our AR recommended SDKs guide to help you choose the one that is best for your school setting and students.
Which SDKs are currently used most by teachers?
We are aware that teachers have been using Assemblr World, ZapWorks Studio, OpenSpace3D Editor, and Unity AR Plugin Vuforia Engine. Our blog post on students’ use of augmented reality software includes useful feedback on centres’ experiences.
Some issues have been reported to us:
- Some of our previously recommended AR SDKs such as Adobe Aero, XR+, Blippbuilder web version and the Microsoft Teams Blippbuilder App have now been discontinued with no access to users’ prior work.
- The Unity Vuforia AR plugin engine is the least used AR SDK amongst teachers because it has specific system requirements and the tools are difficult for students to use.
- The ZapWorks SDK is good, but requires an education licence is purchased.
- The Assemblr World Studio is good, but adding customised audio requires an education licence. Without this licence, you can work around the limitation by converting your audio file into a video file with a blank background (the platform allows video uploads). The video element would need to hidden behind a scene or image so it is not visible. When the students then record their completed prototype, it looks the same as if a standard audio file had been used.
Will Cambridge OCR provide SDK focused or Unit R070 focused training for teachers?
We will not be offering training on an end-to-end process connected with an SDK as we cannot be seen to be biased towards one SDK over others. All the recommended SDK companies have YouTube videos, online tutorials or user guide documents available.
We are offering a number of free training courses focusing on the delivery and assessment of unit R070. This will include a short demo of one or more SDKs showing how the tools and techniques could be used for skills building and delivering AR content.
Do you have any plans for providing tutorial guides for your recommended SDKs?
No, our AR SDK recommendation document includes links for free online video tutorials and guides on how to use the tools and techniques.
Do we need any specific equipment/hardware for delivering and assessing the AR unit?
No, there is no requirement to have any specific equipment/hardware for delivering unit R070.
Will screen print evidence, web link or a QR code of AR model prototype development be accepted for the topic area (TA3) mark band criteria?
Students will be required to submit a video screen recording or a video recording of an AR model prototype working on a PC, laptop or mobile device screen with their assignment report to be able to achieve marks for TA3. Some SDKs will allow an onscreen preview of the developed model prototype and for some SDKs you may require an external webcam to test and screen record or a video using a mobile device. A web link or a QR code for the AR model prototype developed by students is not acceptable as the evidence of their completed work.
It will be useful to provide some screen print evidence of the use of a chosen SDK for developing the AR model prototype.
What software do I use for video screen recording of a working AR model prototype?
Windows 10 has a free built-in ‘Game Bar’ tool which can be used for video screen recording. To use this, navigate to the screen you wish to record and press Win + G to open Game Bar. Alternatively, you could just press Win + Alt + R on your keyboard.
Microsoft Teams, or similar video conferencing software that allows a meeting including screen to be recorded, could also be used to record a video screen recording. To use this:
- Set up a meeting in Teams.
- Join the meeting, share the screen and record the PC/laptop screen where the AR model prototype is working.
- The video is recorded into Stream and can be shared as evidence.
Alternatively, you could directly share and record your computer screen using Microsoft Stream which is available as part of the Office 365 suite.
There are other software applications available online to enable a video screen recording.
Is there any guidance on what the assessment of unit R070 should look like?
There are low, mid and higher-level candidate exemplars available for both NEA unit R060 and unit R070 on our secure website, Teach Cambridge, to help teachers understand the assessment of these units.
We recommend the review of the assessment guidance included in the specification, page 34, for unit R070, with the marking criteria on spec pages 32-33 for all mark bands (MB1, MB2 and MB3).
How do I install my chosen standalone SDK on our school IT system?
Please review the system requirements for your chosen standalone SDK from their website.
Liaise with your IT network manager in school to identify if your chosen SDK can be installed and run smoothly for students’ and staff use.
What do the NEA assessment tasks look like for unit R070?
We have sample NEA assignments for each unit of the qualification available on our qualification web pages and our secure website for teachers, Teach Cambridge.
What planning and teaching resources are available for this qualification?
The specification is on the Cambridge National IT qualification webpage. Free planning, teaching and assessment related resources for teachers are held on our secure website for teachers, Teach Cambridge.
The Cambridge OCR endorsed student textbook and planning and teaching resources for teachers are available from publishers including Cambridge University Press and Hodder Education. Both publishers offer ‘executive preview’ of the digital version of the student’s textbook. Please contact them directly for further details.
We will continue to share further FAQs with questions/queries from teachers throughout the course of this qualification using our communication channels.
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About the author
Vinay joined Cambridge OCR in July 2014 to support the GQ reform and development of the AS and A Level Computer Science qualifications. Since then, he has been involved in the development of the reformed GCSE (9-1) Computer Science, Entry Level Computer Science, Cambridge National in IT, Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in IT: Data Analytics, Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Computing: Application development and Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) in Cyber security and Networks qualifications.
Before joining Cambridge OCR, Vinay spent more than 25 years in IT and Computer Science teaching and leadership roles, working for several schools as well as local authorities educational support team. He was the National Bid Lead for the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative within Capita IT, and also the Head of Operations for an audio-visual educational software development company.
Vinay has a degree, three post-graduate masters and NPQH from Warwick, Coventry, and Nottingham Universities. Outside work, he takes part in karate, cricket, and badminton. He doesn’t believe in ‘just sitting down and watching TV’.
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