Virtual Reality in the Classroom

Augmented reality and virtual reality are taking over. It started with Pokemon Go, and is now spilling over into the education world. But how, you might ask? Virtual reality allows teachers and students to visit places where textbooks couldn't have imagined taking them. If you want to see a 360 tour of the White House, or walk along the Nile River you can do that with virtual reality.

From my experience using virtual reality so far, it brings nothing but excitement for the students. Here is a post from Elizabeth Mulvahill who talks about her experience starting Virtual reality and how much of a success it was for her. Because I teach math, vising exotic places isn't always the most applicable thing, so I have found a few ways to use this VR capability aka "augmented reality" ...a little differently than the people exploring national landmarks.

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Word Wall - In my classroom I have word wall with content math vocabulary the students are expected to know. Then the students use the Aurasma app to scan the word. Once the word is scanned either a picture, definition, or short clip will appear in front of the word. It adds a little more interactivity than a standard word wall.

Student Generated Auras - My students were required to create their own Aurasma triggers and auras (in short the trigger is an image that makes something appear in 3D, and the aura is what appears after scanning the trigger). They created problems using algebra tiles, and created and aura of their answer. Students were then able to challenge other groups trying out their problems, and using Aurasma to check the answer.

Homework Help - Another use of this Aurasma app would be for homework help. Imagine you set a homework problem as a trigger for an aura to appear. If a student is struggling with a problem for homework they could have your assistance (via instructional video, or step-by-step written down). To do it for every problem may be time consuming, but for the ones you anticipate them struggling with would be a great idea.

I think Virtual Reality as well as Augmented reality will only get better as time continues. I'm sure it will be seen more in the world around us as well in the classroom. If anyone else is doing anything differently with VR or AR in their classroom, or has any questions for me, please let me know. Enjoy making your Auras!