Thing 14 - Augmented Reality

Loved the summary about Virtual Reality in the classroom- 

My personal favorite is promoting curiosity and wonder to explore new places- step out of your comfort and known location and explore new- and exciting places.  

• 
  
• Explore some of the readings and apps.
• If you have a smartphone or tablet, download an app or two and test them out.
• If there are other related services/tools that we haven’t been mentioned, feel free to explore them instead.
• Consider how you can use these tools with your students.
• Write a blog post about your experience, reactions, ideas.

Nearpod: 

I loved Nearpod when I had a classroom set of Ipads- 

It was sooooo great to get the whole class involved and able to explore numerous places as if they were right next door.  

https://nearpod.com/nearpod-vr

Google Cardboard: 

This year my Environmental science class has used Google Cardboard several times.  As we discussed biomes of the world I used Google cardboard to bring us on virtual field trips to new biomes to explore.  

I didn't have a class set but had made enough of them that I could set it up as a center - a place to explore being only one of four different ways to learn about biomes.  As we continue to progress maybe our school will change the rules - but currently doesn't allow students to have their phones- so purchasing a whole set of google cardboard is not reasonable at this point.  The students' reactions were fantastic though and really was an eye opening way to explore a new place from the comfort of your classroom.  

https://vr.google.com/cardboard/

I've joined to get the free VR ebook and am excited to learn as much as possible about adding more VR to my classroom. 

https://classtechtips.com/2017/05/18/virtual-reality-in-education-resources/

After reading- I totally want a 360 camera- and get paid to go places to turn into virtual field trips ?? 
(hmm - future plans for SURE!) 

I could see that being an asset as funds, weather and transportation really limit possibilities for adventures with students here in Rochester NY very frequently.  I really feel that the learning that happens with authentic real-world experiences can't be denied and downplayed in importance.