AR Apps by Teachers

Augmented Reality Apps | FREE teacher lesson resources

Welcome to the Classroom – Moon Phases AR!

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These are exciting times for augmented reality (AR) as it makes its way into our everyday lives. What about AR in our classrooms? When AR is integrated into pedagogy, new opportunities enter that we can only have wished we had as students.

Moon Phases AR is student-focused augmented reality app which brings moon phases into the classroom. Students discover answers to common misconceptions around this topic, address issues of scale, and view moon phases from the many perspectives that it requires.

Moon Phases AR is designed by teachers for our students. Teacher resources for teaching moon phases are freely available on our website to accompany the iOS 12 app. We hope that you see the learning value in this new technology as we can.

For more information, teacher resources and to stay up to date with our new learning opportunities, visit ARbyTeachers.com .

Finding a place for Augmented Reality (AR) in the Classroom

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Augmented Reality AR finds its place in the classroom

As teachers, we can see that having Augmented Reality (AR) 3D objects in the classroom can be advantageous where other resources are not readily accessible. We also know, however, that it takes more than just a resource itself to make a valuable learning experience and a good lesson. As we ‘toy’ with the use of AR in the classroom, we see that many existing AR spaces provide 3D models that dictate information in an approach that is not student-focused. This is a little bit like one step forward for initial engagement… but pedagogically it feels like two steps back. As platforms for AR (such as Apple’s ARKit) become increasingly accessible and versatile, so too do the opportunities to effectively integrate AR into the classroom.

AR can meet pedagogy in a meaningful and authentic manner for students, and teachers.

We’ve tried this out with our first app – incorporating inquiry-based learning and contemporary teaching strategies. Our first AR App addresses the topic of moon phases. If you’ve taught this topic, you more than likely agree that it is notoriously difficult to teach and for students to conceptualise. Think Oreos, spotlights around student heads… . Moon Phases AR is designed by teachers and aims to stretch the boundaries of AR. Students discover how we see phases of the moon as they appear from various perspectives. Presented with a variety of common misconceptions, students observe and justify meaning for themselves. Issues of size and scale are also addressed. The App is accompanied with free teacher resources from ARbyTeachers.com, equipping teachers to facilitate this topic consistent with unit timing.

We hope to see more learning opportunities arise as AR makes its way into our lives, that better fit contemporary teaching and learning. Ones that consider teaching strategy, time restraints and curriculum while encouraging inquiry-based, student-centered, and collaborative learning.

If you would like to find out more or keep in touch, please visit our website ARbyTeachers.com or download the Moon Phases AR App from the App Store. We’d love to hear from you!

Augmented Reality meets the Classroom – and teachers are loving it!

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There is a unique opportunity for Augmented Reality (AR) to change the way we use technology in the classroom. It is clear that AR can bring 3D objects and animations into the classroom that were not previously possible. Whilst this is engaging, it is in the delivery that the true learning potential of AR lies.

When AR is carefully aligned with curriculum, pedagogy and contemporary teaching strategies, learning can become a meaningful experience.

We would like to introduce you to the first of our discovery-based learning apps in AR. Moon Phases AR directly addresses important concepts that are not observable, nor successful, using traditional teaching resources. If you’ve ever taught this topic, then you have more than likely broken out the Oreos or revolved a spotlight around students’ heads. We’ve produced a model in AR in which engages and explores moon phases from all angles in the classroom. Students are additionally faced with questions that require them to discover the answers of common misconceptions – does the moon rotate? Do we ever see the ‘far side’ of the moon? Is there a dark side of the moon? And so on. In the outdoor AR view, students address concepts of size and scale through observation in a large open space. Teacher resources are available to accompany the Moon Phases AR app in English, German and Chinese.

To find out more and to stay informed about our upcoming AR apps, visit us at ARbyTeachers.com .

What 3 things are teachers looking for in Educational Apps?

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learning

There are three main aspects of what a teacher will look for when findings Apps for use in their classroom – time, learning, and student engagement.

Time!

Time is a big (huge) factor, and teachers are limited. If an App is going to take up planning time or training in addition to the resources are readily available, it is difficult to justify the incorporation of a new App. If a teacher is going to need to play the App through it’s entirety as a method of screening, swipe left. Similarly, if the App takes longer for students to use in the classroom than the time in which the topic would usually be taught, there simply may not be opportunity to accommodate this. For the time poor teacher, accompanying teacher resources such as worksheets and lesson plans are a fantastic time-saver to offer with an App.

Learning

Another query that teachers will make is whether or not learning objectives can be met by this App. If the App content, representations (3D objects, animations, graphics), and language are not well aligned to the level at which students are currently learning, it is likely that a teacher will move on. The App may lack depth, the language may be too easy/difficult, or representations and content may develop misunderstandings.

Student engagement

All teachers want students to be engaged in their learning. Apps, particularly in Augmented Reality, have a true scope for student engagement. However, if the language usage is off, very low-level thinking is required, the level of challenge is inappropriate, or obvious information is displayed, students can switch off quickly. There are more meaningful, accessible educational resources out there. Design must take authentic advantage of the inquiry-based and problem-solving opportunities that are unique to Apps and similar educational technologies.

So an App must be carefully balanced in terms of both teacher preparation and student usage time, better yet, it should save time. The App must consider at which stage of learning the topic is addressed and cater to the appropriate level. An App must not mimic what other more traditional educational resources already provide.

Is there a place for Augmented Reality in the classroom?

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In his talk, ‘Augmented Reality – Science Fiction is now Science Fact’, Ryan Groom shows us the fascinating directions of AR. This merging of the physical and digital world opens up learning opportunities beyond the scope of today’s classroom.

The very parameters of the classroom are changing and we now have the ability to dream and realize the truly immersive capabilities of Augmented Reality. It is important that we move beyond the obvious delivery of information here as displaying information for students to read has little impact beyond that of other existing teaching and learning resources. This technology has the potential to be utilized to educate in a way that encourages:

  • higher-order thinking
  • inquiry learning
  • problem-based learning
  • life-long learning
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