Augmented Reality. Coming to a Classroom Near You!

Augmented Reality. No, it's not a sci-fi movie or latest video game ... although it will add some futuristic elements to your classroom!

In simple terms, with the Aurasma or Layar app on an iOS or Android device, any image can become a trigger that's linked to other resources: 3D animations, self-made videos, youtube videos, other images, websites, audio recordings, etc. When scanned by a device with the AR app, you'll see how a flat image is brought to life! Amazing!

In last month's Nexus & iPad workshops with @gregkulowiec and @brholland, Blake MS educators explored AR's potential integration into their classrooms (and not to mention, ease of use!). Educators quickly discovered how it can bring interactivity, offer dynamic ways for students to consume content and how easily layers of support can be built-in for directions, background knowledge, & more.   

Watch a demo by our very own 6th grade Math Teacher, Mr. Millard!

Mrs. McClelland (@CynMcCl) was the first teacher to dive right in! Her recent Islamic unit is filled with rich content. She already incorporates beautifully-produced images from her curriculum materials to help with teaching the concepts and information. This time, these images evolved into more... she created triggers on them to take students to videos and other media. It was now just a matter of simply posting the images around her room, creating a graphic organizer for students to record information and there it is- an interactive scavenger hunt of learning!

Let's head over to the 6th grade hallway where the Koala cluster happens to be piloting the Nexus 10 tablets 1:1.  That didn't stop them from partnering up with the other two clusters to share their technology and Augmented Reality adventure to space! All three science teachers: Mrs. Heim, Mrs. Muscatell, and Ms. Dengos transformed their usual project to an interactive experience using the Layar App. Students were then divided into space teams of one from each cluster and were given the mission to visit each poster, scan the images for information, and then discuss and answer questions on paper.  Take a look into their classrooms as the students move from one place to another.

I think it's safe to say, "Mission: Successfully Completed!"
And this is only the beginning of how Medfield teachers are taking these tools
to enhance and redefine instruction and learning.

Visit these additional AR resources to learn more:

Paul Hamilton

Mrs. Pepe's Class

* Follow both Paul & CeCe on twitter too and the hashtags below for endless ideas!
#augmentedreality

#aRevolution

#iPadcreativity