Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that enriches classroom learning experiences by overlaying digital content onto real-world content, simply by using devices that are already present in most classrooms, such as tablets and smartphones. In education settings, AR can be used in a variety of ways to enhance teaching and increase student engagement. Bring traditional textbooks to life by adding interactive elements like videos, models, and supplemental information to your printed pages. AR is also a powerful tool for visualizing complex concepts, allowing students to explore abstract ideas through interactive 3D representations. Additionally, you can transport students to different times and locations, making history and geography lessons more immersive and educational.
Heather Brantley, an educational technologist and middle school teacher in Texas, sees the value of incorporating augmented reality tools into her lessons. She has served in a variety of roles throughout her education, including teaching elementary mathematics, teaching her web communications for vocational and technical education students, and serving as an instructional technologist. consultants and speakers. EdSurge recently spoke to Brantley about his experience using it. McGraw Hill ARa free app created by McGraw Hill in partnership with Verizon. Verizon Innovative Learningis an education initiative that aims to bridge the digital divide with the goal of providing digital skills training to 10 million students by 2030.
EdSurge: What sparked your interest in incorporating more technology into your teaching methods?
Brantley: As a former math teacher, I found that the day I took out chiropractic, I almost immediately regretted using it. Because chiropractors are everywhere, and it goes without saying that schools have limited funds to provide enough chiropractors for everyone. It was just a mess.So I started digging deeper into leveraging technology. [itself] As a chiropractor.
The person who really helped me on this journey is an educational technologist. jamie donally. I have had the good fortune to teach and collaborate with her daughter. Jamie told me about various technology products that could support what I was teaching. She has been a great resource on this learning journey and through these experiences I have developed a passion for edtech.
My main focus is on leveraging technology effectively. Make effective use of your own technology. One of the challenges for teachers is that schools don’t provide enough devices. But instead, teach your students how to use the devices they already have in their pockets, so they can use technology everywhere.
How has incorporating AR in your classroom improved your students’ learning experience?
I don’t want to be a teacher teaching children. I want to become a teacher who can learn together with children. Augmented reality lets you explore with your students.Tell your students when new updates are released to the app Let’s explore together and be curious together. AR sparks student curiosity and asks, “How does it work?”
When McGraw Hill AR released an update that allows students to work in groups, my Sea [communication, engineering, entrepreneurship and robotics] The students wanted to try it. I actually took a step back to see if my students could figure out the new group mode on their own. My students didn’t need my guidance. Some students immediately took on leadership roles and told their classmates: “Okay, guys, this is how you get into the group.” I observed people mastering it, but they wanted to help their teammates even though they knew they might be competing with each other later in this app. There were conversations trying to understand what was going on and what the pattern was. This app is very easy to use and allows students to take ownership of their learning. My classroom is student-led, so I am passionate about teaching.
What I love about students using augmented reality on their devices is that it gives them tools beyond the classroom. They look forward to going home and showing their families what they’re learning using the app. McGraw Hill AR’s group mode not only fosters collaboration within the classroom, but also allows students to collaborate outside of the classroom. We found that incorporating AR into lessons fosters more active participation and collaborative learning. Facilitates natural conversations about critical thinking and curiosity.
What challenges have you faced in incorporating AR activities into your classroom?
There will always be students who don’t show interest right away. For these students, I sit next to them and help them get started using the device. I help them understand how valuable the activity is to them. When we were learning about balance equations, I suggested to one of my reluctant students that we use either the McGraw-Hill AR activity or the actual block manipulation. Eventually, I realized that the AR option made it easy to manipulate the virtual blocks until the equation was balanced.
What advice would you give to teachers considering implementing AR technology in their classrooms?
The best advice is to be curious. If we want our students to learn and be curious, we as educators must learn and be curious. If you don’t know what to do, just click the button. It won’t explode. Stop doing extra work. I don’t want to sit and watch a black and white movie where I have to read everything because there’s no sound. We are past that point. Take advantage of the latest technology in your classroom.
I try to give the class as much input and control as possible from the students. My job is to facilitate them and learn alongside them. We need our students to see that we are excited about learning new tools. If we don’t show interest in learning new things, they won’t agree to it.
