The first time I saw augmented reality (AR) I was blown away. I couldn’t quite understand how technology could make something “appear” in the real world. In the past, apps like Libraries of Life and Quiver used image recognition in the physical world that ‘triggered’ the media, or overlay, in the augmented reality world. This technology was, and continues to be, pretty amazing, but restricted to what the creators wanted us to see. However, when Aurasma allowed us to become the creators of the triggers and overlays, it allowed us to see even more educational benefits beyond the ‘WOW!’ factor. (Don’t tell anyone, but I still think AR was created with magic by unicorns.)
With Apple’s Release of ARKit the entire game changed. Now, developers everywhere were given a tool to create AR apps that were no longer tied to the tangible, physical trigger, but instead to a geolocation or plopped down right in front of us. These new apps are allowing us to be the creators in a few, simple steps, letting us leave a fingerprint on the world around us. A thought, a memory, a signature saved to a particular space and place in time.
The future of AR is much like the Wild West: unrestricted, unharnessed, and ever-changing. As educators try to plot out their place in the augmented world, we would like to point you to the horizon and check out these two tools that have us shouting “Giddyup!”
With Apple’s Release of ARKit the entire game changed. Now, developers everywhere were given a tool to create AR apps that were no longer tied to the tangible, physical trigger, but instead to a geolocation or plopped down right in front of us. These new apps are allowing us to be the creators in a few, simple steps, letting us leave a fingerprint on the world around us. A thought, a memory, a signature saved to a particular space and place in time.
The future of AR is much like the Wild West: unrestricted, unharnessed, and ever-changing. As educators try to plot out their place in the augmented world, we would like to point you to the horizon and check out these two tools that have us shouting “Giddyup!”
Membit
Membit tags pictures to a location. Imagine placing a picture from 1950 in the gym so students can see how the school has changed. Honor an outstanding teacher by adding a picture of them to be forever viewed in their classroom. Membit allows memories to live around us. Let your school tell its own story! Learn more about Membit in Education here!
Metaverse
Metaverse allows you to create interactive augmented reality experiences that can range from scavenger hunts or choose your own adventure stories. Their easy block-based platform allows you to arrange the path of your story, kind of like a large storyboard and add in your own pictures to customize your story. Superstar librarian Alyssa Calhoun used her Bitmoji to take her students on a scavenger hunt around her library, you can read more about it on her blog. They have also recently release AR style Breakout games and are offering teachers the opportunities to win school supplies for their creations!
Unfortunately, the ARKit apps are only accessible on iPad Pro, iPad (5th Gen), and some newer iPhones updated to iOS11. Although the devices in your classroom might not be currently compatible, this is definitely something to keep your eye on for the future! The tools that we shared (Metaverse and Membit) are compatible with iOS10 or later.
Below you will find our “AR: Interacting with Your Environment” session from #ITECIA. When deciding on the AR apps we wanted to share we came up with three simple criteria: free/cheap, educational value, and a ‘Wow!’ factor. This is only just the beginning of a new world (literally!) in AR. We can only try to keep up!
Below you will find our “AR: Interacting with Your Environment” session from #ITECIA. When deciding on the AR apps we wanted to share we came up with three simple criteria: free/cheap, educational value, and a ‘Wow!’ factor. This is only just the beginning of a new world (literally!) in AR. We can only try to keep up!
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