Top Five Tips for Diving into Reality- Augmented and Virtual that is...

One of my previous posts, I talked about the new frontier of augmented and virtual reality and all the goodness it can bring into your content.  So as I have become more familiar and brought more of this knowledge to educators of all levels I thought I would share my Top 5 Tips for getting started with AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality).  Some seem simple and obvious, but I have found those the steps you definitely don't want to skip.

1.  Read the instructions.  Seems silly to actually not only write that but start with that one, but AR/VR apps often have specific instructions that will make or break your success with the program.  Be sure to peruse them to make sure you are doing everything required to get you the best experience... also as a facilitator its best if you read them to know all of the ins and outs that could be asked by participants.

2. Locate Necessary Triggers.  Most AR  specifically utilizes triggers in order to create the experience.  Sometimes those triggers reside within the app, which requires a download and then a transfer process to print out, or they reside on a companion website which also may require a download and print situation.  Next, refer to step 1... you may see specific instructions on whether or not the trigger must be printed in color to work.

3. Don't Be Device Dependent.  Lots of people, especially when exploring VR get very caught up in whether or not they have a Cardboard, a Vive, or a Viewmaster.  Then the next step is what devices to use in those headsets, and how to get a class set.  These are all valid questions, but I would challenge you to notice that a vast majority of VR apps are not device dependent.  Meaning that you can utilize them with a tablet or other mobile device sans viewer.  So don't let the headset be a hindrance.

4.  Be Aware & Share.  This bit of advice could be a part of any educational tidbit.  AR/VR (and really all of educational technology) moves fast and in the ever famous words of Ferris Bueler if you don't stop and look around you might miss it.  In that vein, utilize all your resources especially social media to locate, follow and stay abreast of what's going on, what's updated, and what's coming soon. This way you can stay on the forefront, because if you know better you do better.  Now along those lines, don't horde remarkability.  If you find something new, share it.  If you see something cool- shout it out.  As we all know sharing is caring, and I guarantee if you share something out you will get back something just as good if not better for your efforts.

5. Connect to the Content.  I generally say; and while it often makes no sense it does make a point, a turtle on a skateboard is really cool but what does it have to do with anything?  AR/VR is case in point.  Audiences and participants of AR/VR will be wowed with very little effort on your part, it will dazzle even some of the toughest to reach, but if it is not connected to the content it will have very little impact on improving your curriculum.  You are the content expert and its up to you to help participants make those connections.  Apps and devices don't make those connections- you do.

Reality Bytes

Great Scott! The future really kind of is now.  Taking a tour of the Palace of Versailles in an hour- no problem, 3Dimensional interactive model of a volcano- child’s play, come face-to-face with a sea turtle without leaving 3rd Block- so easy!  Augmented and Virtual reality allow for all of those things with an ease, simplicity, and accessibility that had never been available before now and it is COOL!  

Augmented and Virtual Reality create an environment that brings content to life in ways teachers have never thought possible.  Just for reference sake; augmented reality merges computer-generated graphics or video on top of the real world we see before us- while virtual reality artificially creates sensory experiences, which can include sight, sound, and touch.  

But the true impact and learning sustainability comes when the “Cool is Connected to Content”.  I know, I know it sounds crazy but all that coolness can become just fluff without a real deep connection to your content.  The idea of mixed reality has been around for a long time, and we have seen it in advertisements, movies, and social media; but the implications for education are so simple and the returns so valuable that it behooves us as educators to explore its possibilities.  

When we think about AR/VR in education the first question is will it work?  Then when you analyze the modalities that mixed reality integrates the answer is a resounding yes.  AR/VR brings together what educators know brings deeper learning and what students require for successful achievement.  The learning takes place by aligning both educational theory such as the 4C’s with an engaging, fun, and creative environment that motivates students to aim higher.

Mixed Reality (AR/VR) lessons impact students by giving hands-on, multiple perspective experiences that give those learners of the future the personal focus that they inherently gravitate towards.

As for which apps are great for these, I can only give my personal experience, and narrowing it down is tough.  There are many that are content specific, as well as focused more on either upper or lower grade level students.  However, I will endeavor to do my best. Please, keep in mind these are not ranked in any way and for sure this list is not exhaustive. In addition, especially in virtual reality land don’t get so hung up on having a cardboard, viewmaster, vive etc. many applications are compatible with those viewers but they are not dependent.

Augmented Reality	Virtual Reality
Quiver: interactive coloring pages	in360Tube: 360 degree videos covering a wide range of topics
ZooKazam: 3D animals with scientific facts	Spotlight Stories: interactive stories for all levels
AugThat: multi-subject AR with interaction	Discovery VR: discovery  channel expeditions with 360 video
Elements 4D: 4 dimensional interactive blocks of the elements of the periodic table	360 Cities: virtual tours of cities from around the world
Guinness World Records: interactive AR with facts from the Guinness Books (13,14,15)	CoolTour: tour famous cities and landmarks from around the world in 360
Flashcard VR: works with quizlet in which you create an interactive flashcard game

I hope my ramblings on this topic were at least a bit helpful.  Please, feel free to contact or tweet me with additional questions or to chat about this subject. I would love to help you get started or to advance where you already are in this endeavor.  Happy viewing!

@murphree_kim