What feature characterizes augmented reality in educational tools?

Augmented reality (AR) is defined by its ability to enhance the real-world environment with interactive digital elements. This characteristic is what makes AR a powerful tool in educational contexts. It allows students to engage with digital content that overlays and interacts with their physical surroundings, thus providing an enriched learning experience. This interactivity can include 3D models, animations, or additional information that students can manipulate or explore, creating a dynamic learning environment that combines both the real and virtual worlds.

The other features mentioned do not accurately depict augmented reality. Completely immersive environments are more representative of virtual reality, which separates users from the physical world entirely. Static digital content lacks interactivity and the immersive aspect of AR, as does basic instructional videos, which do not overlay or interact with the learner's environment. Thus, the defining feature of augmented reality in education is indeed the interactive overlays on the real world.