Virtual Field Trips for Social Studies

 Often times when you are looking at virtual or digital field trips there are lots of museums or STEM options- but experiences specifically for humanities and history are a little more difficult.  Below you will find a compilation of  some that just might meet those needs:

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Augmented Reality- in Canva!

Did you know you can utilize Augmented Reality in Canva?  Yep- the same Canva you make birthday invites on can create Augmented Reality experiences to up your engagement!  Check out the video below to see how quickly and easily you can create content:

In all Reality....

I recently completed the fabulous Jaime Donally's Hoonuit Module on AR/VR.  If you haven't ever done a Hoonuit Module, or even if "it's been a while", I would highly encourage you to visit this platform.  It has a model that follows this format:  Learn It, Do It, Share It, Prove It.  The simplicity of it is awesome, the learning experience even more so.
Not only did the content of the module cover Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, specific apps within both, AND classroom integration strategies- it also included; me the user, actually creating and using these apps and strategies.  I know!  I actually did an online module and actually had to interact and create- not just stare at the screen- crazy!
The AR/VR module covered multiple apps, however, in this blog I am only going to cover one of each genre.  Partly for time, and partly because you should experience it yourself :)  You can here: tiny.cc/hoonuitarvr .
The first app I'd like to go into depth with is CatchyAR.  This app allows you to "catch" letters that are overlaid into your real world and place them into boxes, spelling out the word. Watch a demo by Jaime Donally here.  This is perfect for spelling or vocabulary as you can upload your own words. Not only is this good for your spelling and vocabulary, it's also good for kinesthetic learners.  When students are a physically immersed in the learning- good things happen.
The second app is RoundMe.  I love this app- and was excited to see it included in this Hoonuit Module.  This app is perfect for adding that extra layer of interaction into a VR experience.  RoundMe allows you to upload your 360 image(s), and add informational tags to it.  It also allows for directional sound addition.  So you can use whatever means you would like to capture a 360 image, whether it be an app like 360Cities, Google StreetView, or even an actual 360 camera, and upload it to RoundMe.  This on its own is great because users can experience the immersion of a 360 image- but then RoundMe allows for addition "i" (informational) tags to be added.  These tags can include text, images, video, or external links.  This creates an interactive element in which users can extend their learning, show mastery, or even link out to additional experiences.  If you would like to see an example please click here.
To end, I would just say get out there and experience this technology.  This module is a great place to start, review, refresh, or even get ideas for your own training.  AR/VR and really all technology integration is best when experienced.  Start small, figure out the systems, and slowly expand.  Oh- and have fun!

The Merge Cube

6 Results of 360/VR

Frugal Google

So I just returned from a conference trip (shout out to my fellow TCEA peeps)!  I had an amazing time, was inspired by some of my EdTech heroes and was reminded of why I love my job so much. All that aside, I was also reminded how dependent upon Google we have become.  From the navigation to merchant hours to restaurant menus we use Google for everything.

So, I got to thinking (I know- watch out), and as educators, we try to utilize as many tools as we can to maximize our time and our pocketbooks.  Those pencils don't just magically show up. Time is just as valuable a commodity as money at times for us in the education game and I hope this blog post will help you get the most bang for your buck and for your time.

Below you will find a list of Google Chrome Applications, Extensions, and websites that can help you stretch your dollar and maximize your day.  Just remember, all of these tools below are best used when signed into the Chrome web browser.This is list is of course not exhaustive, but hopefully a good and well-rounded start to help you become a Frugal Google user.


Google Keep: This nifty Google Tool allows you, of course, to make and organize lists, but you can also set location-based reminders.  That's right if you make a list that says milk when you are near your friendly neighborhood Kroger, you get a ping reminding you to stop by.  This works the same way for students with homework.  This tool has a mobile app for iOS and Android Platforms, a Google Extension, and a Notes for Keep Chrome Application.

YTFullFill:  As educators, we spend lots of valuable time and energy trying to search and find appropriate videos, especially on YouTube.  While YouTube is super valuable and has lots of stuff- it also has lots of Stuff.  In addition to the stuff, the peripheral adds and comments below the videos are often unpredictable and inappropriate.  YTFullFill gives you an alternate link that sends you to your video in full screen with no distractors on around or below your video- Magic!

Timer with Google:  Speaking of saving time, your Omnibox is your friend.  Simply typing in timer for _____, will give you a countdown timer for whatever time you need.  Easy Peasy.

Hours of Operation: Another great Omnibox tool for the question all educators have- how early or how late is a business open- because we all know we aren't going during the day.  By typing in "Business Name" Hours you get the closest business and its hours immediately.  Much better than calling or search the store and then trying to find the about or store hours tab.

Conversions:  Teachers are the queens and kings of all resourcefulness.  However, sometimes we have used all our brain power and simple conversions get the best of us.  By typing in measurement conversion in the Omnibox you can select your unit of measure and convert to your heart's content.

Google Flights:  This one is one of my all time favorites.  At flights.google.com you are able to search multiple airlines without a million pop-up ads and without logging into a travel account.  This site lets you search by destination, date, or even amount.  That's right you can simply have a budget and figure out through a Google Map just how far your money can get you!  LOVE IT!

Honey: This Chrome extension helps in one of the best ways possible.  It finds coupon codes for you! That's right no more googling promo codes, this app finds applicable coupon codes and applies the best one for you.  If there isn't one, you can get Honey Money that compiles until you cash it in for gift cards.

Ebates: This Chrome extension (and iOS and Android app) allows you to activate cash back for purchases.  Then quarterly you receive that money in a check.  If you are buying it anyways why not get a little something back.

Piggy:  This Chrome extension works much the same way as Honey, I like to say if one doesn't work try the other ;)

Again while this list is in no way exhaustive, these are some of my favorite tried and true Frugal Google Tricks.  Feel free to try them out, and as always if you have any questions let me know :)

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.