There are so many ways to incorporate augmented reality in the classroom! Augmented reality, also known as AR, is where a device overlays a digital image or animation over the top of a users view of the world. With a simple app download and a device in hand, your students can be exploring all manner of STEM concepts and have a blast in the process. So with this in mind, which apps have been teachers using lately? Well, what better way than to hear from teachers themselves! There is a fantastic PLN on Twitter called primarySTEMchat that led a brilliant chat last week on AR in the classroom. The ideas were easily applicable for both primary and secondary learners (and to be honest, higher ed too!). This particular chat was hosted by Clare Seldon and Rachael Lehr. Teachers from across Australia and beyond contributed how they’ve incorporated augmented reality into their STEM classrooms. Below are some of their responses!
Firstly, which AR apps have teachers been using?
One of my favourite AR uses in the classroom: the @curiscope. A t-shirt that reveals the inner workings of the body. Definitely a wow moment! #primarySTEMchat pic.twitter.com/xu7OzvRcfI
— Michelle Dennis (@michelledennis) October 24, 2019
Hi #PrimarySTEMChat Helena DY Teacher from SW WA. I love @QuestaGame @MergeVR and great Maths @3D Space. pic.twitter.com/h4cik9lWVZ
— Helena Nicholson (@Helenergy_4) October 24, 2019
A6. Merge Cube Apps, Moment AR (Emotions), AnatomyAR, Dig 3D kinda Minecraft! CUBEPainter Explorer (Solar System) Hologlobe! 3D Space @ARMakrApp is super cool too! #PrimarySTEMchat
— Helena Nicholson (@Helenergy_4) October 24, 2019
A6: @MetaverseApp @CoSpaces_Edu @ARMakrApp @eyejackapp @blippar #games others i'm sure, they change and arrive so fast. I generally chose the tool that suits the learning or experience #PrimarySTEMChat https://t.co/tVbvR0Ya4x
— Jason Coleman (@jc_igs) October 24, 2019
https://twitter.com/MaiaBassett/status/1187319421187936259
A6. I use @ZapparApp to create #AR experiences – easy to get started using it and for students to access (free app they can download and works similar to a QR code)#primarySTEMchat https://t.co/fiUiIRYwj2
— Kim Maslin (@kimmaslin) October 24, 2019
So, what hardware do you need for AR in the classroom?
A5. Ive used cloud based platforms to create content, and then linked it to @MergeVR cubes, or with iPads or android phones. Ive seen AR/VR headsets that let yu look at both but i prefer not to have to use a headset. #primarySTEMchat https://t.co/lo2M7vKQmJ
— 💧Claire Seldon (@claireseldon_ed) October 24, 2019
One of the cool things I’ve seen is connecting an XBox Kinect to a data projector and then focussing it over a sandbox. With some coding in an AR platform, you can create the illusion of flowing water down channels that you create as you move the sand around! t
Augmented reality sandbox at ISTE 2015
Of course, just throwing AR into the classroom just won’t cut it. There needs to be a reason for doing it!
Why use Augmented reality in the classroom?
A4: It can reduce the direct instruction load for teachers. It encourages #independence and #collaboration in #learning. Gives some access to experience outside the school or through history. Looking at designs of the past through an art lens? #PrimarySTEMChat https://t.co/pc9M9cIDwO
— Jason Coleman (@jc_igs) October 24, 2019
A3 #primarystemchat Igniting curiosity. Representing data. @QuestaGame @tagSpaceCo my @CitSciOZ data at my beach!! pic.twitter.com/QC9XFzT3RD
— Helena Nicholson (@Helenergy_4) October 24, 2019
A4. It helps explore the content knowledge needed to complete a STEM task (i.e. the human body app someone just shared!!) plus it's a method of creating a solution to a STEM problem i.e. constructing a story in AR Maer #primarySTEMchat https://t.co/VFVobu0lwW
— Kim Maslin (@kimmaslin) October 24, 2019
AR can also be used to allow students to experiment with and develop their spatial skills, vital for many STEM pathways like engineering. #primarySTEMchat
— Michelle Dennis (@michelledennis) October 24, 2019
A2: Have used it for: Art Shows, Science Fairs, Inquiry Units, Story telling, demonstrations, investigations, games, coding and just having some fun. Adds an element of cool, surprise and achievement for Ts & Ss. #AR #PrimarySTEMChat https://t.co/Cv5Iub0nwv
— Jason Coleman (@jc_igs) October 24, 2019
So, what are your thoughts? How have you been using augmented reality in your classroom? If you haven’t tried it yet, try downloading just one of the apps mentioned above and have a play with it. Your students could do the same and you all could explore together! No matter how you use AR, as long as it helps enhance the students learning you’re on the right track!
Want to know more about #primarySTEMchat? Listen to the founder Rachael Lehr here!
Happy teaching,
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